The United States and Arab mediators are intensifying efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Israeli strikes overnight have killed at least 16 Palestinians, according to medics. Talks in Cairo have indicated that an agreement could be signed soon, involving a ceasefire and the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The US administration, along with mediators from Egypt and Qatar, is working to advance the negotiations before President Joe Biden leaves office. However, Israel has introduced conditions that Hamas has rejected, causing some gaps in the agreement.