After more than 15 months of fighting in Gaza, diplomats are cautiously hopeful that a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas is within reach. Talks have made progress in recent weeks, with the US secretary of state stating that both sides are close to agreeing to a deal. The proposed agreement is said to involve a three-stage cease-fire, with Israeli troops gradually withdrawing from Gaza and Hamas releasing hostages in exchange for Palestinians jailed by Israel. The talks have gained momentum due to pressure from the incoming US administration and a separate cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah.