Negotiations for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas are nearing a decisive moment as the toll of the conflict continues to rise. The Israeli military reported five soldiers killed and eight injured in a recent ammunition explosion, and Hamas has fired 20 rockets at Israel in the past two weeks. Negotiations involving the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt are close to an agreement that would secure the release of 33 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, there are concerns that allowing displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza could enable Hamas to regroup.