After months of deadlock, Israel and Hamas appear to be moving closer toward a ceasefire to end their 14-month war.
Top officials from the US, Qatar and Egypt have resumed their mediation efforts in recent weeks and reported greater willingness by the warring sides to wrap up a deal.
In a key concession, Hamas officials say they are prepared to show more "flexibility" on the timing of an Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza, and Israel's defence minister, Israel Katz, said a deal is closer than ever.
Officials on all sides have cautioned that key details must still be worked out. But there is a general sense of optimism that has been lacking for many months.