The Hamas confirms that progress has been made on the hostage deal and ceasefire in Gaza.

“We renew our pledge with our steadfast and patient people and with our heroic prisoners in the prisons and affirm that their freedom is near,” Hamas said.

A Qatari official said both Israel and Hamas received a “final” draft of the proposal, though an Israeli official later denied the claim.

A possible deal is expected to see hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including those convicted of terrorism, released to ensure the freedom of hostages held in the Gaza Strip.

It is believed that 94 of the 251 hostages kidnapped by Hamas on October 7 remain in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 34 confirmed dead by the IDF.

Hamas released 105 civilians during a week-long ceasefire in late November, while four hostages were released before that. Eight hostages have been rescued by Israeli troops, and the bodies of 40 hostages have also been recovered, including three who were accidentally killed by the Israeli army as they tried to escape their captors.