Gaza war cease-fire deal inching closer, US and Israeli officials say

The possibility of a ceasefire agreement to end the ongoing war in Gaza is increasingly likely, according to US and Israeli officials. The proposed deal, which includes the release of hostages held by Hamas, has been under negotiation for several months. The recent optimism comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares to address Congress and meet with US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

The families of the hostages, who have been held captive for more than nine months, are calling on Netanyahu to accept the deal. Biden has expressed his belief that the parties involved are on the verge of reaching an agreement that would not only bring the hostages home, but also end the war. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has echoed this sentiment, saying they are close to reaching an agreement that will result in a ceasefire and pave the way for peace and lasting stability.

While both Israel and Hamas have agreed to the broad framework of the agreement, there are still crucial details and technicalities that need to be addressed. Mediators from the US, Egypt and Qatar are leading efforts to finalize these details. Netanyahu is expected to meet with Biden before the Israeli delegation formally presents its response to mediators. That response is likely to include Netanyahu's demands for a ban on gunmen from northern Gaza and Israeli control of the Philadelphia Corridor, key points in the negotiations.

Families of the hostages are urging Biden to step up pressure to finalize the deal, which they believe could be a key part of his legacy. The families are expected to meet with Biden and Netanyahu later this week. The conflict in the Middle East has been a major issue for Biden since the Oct. 7 attack. The end of the war before the end of Biden's first term will have important implications for his successor.

Netanyahu has said his government is determined to bring everyone home. Negotiators are currently awaiting a response from Israel to a Hamas document received earlier this month. If a ceasefire is agreed, Hamas is expected to release just over 30 hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. The details of this exchange are still being negotiated.

As negotiations continue, discussions on security, humanitarian aid and governance once an agreement is in place are also ongoing. US and Egyptian officials have begun preparing for the flood of humanitarian aid that would enter Gaza if a ceasefire agreement goes into effect.