Hamas and Israel are engaged in serious talks to reach a cease-fire in Gaza and free the remaining hostages held there. Both sides have refrained from leaking details of the negotiations to the media, indicating a more serious approach this time. Mediators have proposed a 60-day truce, during which Hamas would release some hostages in exchange for Palestinians jailed in Israel. Israel has demanded that its forces remain in two segments of Gaza, while Hamas is willing to tolerate an extended Israeli presence as long as Israel eventually withdraws. Recent shifts in the Middle East, including the killing of Hamas leaders and the isolation of the group, have created favorable conditions for a potential deal.