Israel, Hamas ceasefire deal? Key still issues unresolved

A woman dressed as an Israeli hostage sits on the lap of a man dressed as US President-elect Donald Trump on a Santa sleigh scene during an anti-government protest calling for action to secure the release of Israeli hostages in Tel Aviv on Saturday -AFP

- AP

Israel and Hamas appear closer to a ceasefire deal that could end the 14-month war in Gaza and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.

However, significant hurdles remain, including disputes over prisoner exchanges and troop withdrawals, according to Egyptian, Hamas, and American officials. The proposed deal involves several phases. Initially, fighting would stop, hostages held in Gaza would be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners, and humanitarian aid would increase.