Negotiators in Qatar resumed talks on Wednesday to finalize a phased ceasefire in Gaza, aiming to end a conflict that has caused widespread death and destruction. The agreement for a truce and the release of hostages is said to be closer than ever, but Hamas is still waiting for Israel to submit maps showing how its forces would withdraw from Gaza. The planned phased ceasefire could halt the fighting that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and displaced most of the enclave's pre-war population. The ceasefire could also ease tensions across the wider Middle East and potentially prevent all-out war between Israel and Iran.