Hurdles Remain As Israel And Hamas Once Again Inch Toward A Ceasefire Deal

TEL AVIV, ISRAEL – JANUARY 4: Protesters hold photos of hostages held in the Gaza Strip and 100 light sticks to symbolize 100 hostages held by Hamas during a rally calling for a hostages deal on January 4, 2025 in Tel Aviv, Israel. Saturday night protests have occurred almost every week since late 2023, fusing anti-government sentiment with calls for a ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza. Earlier today, Hamas published a propaganda video with a statement from a female IDF observer, Liri Albag, who was taken hostage from Nahal Oz on Oct. 7, 2023. (Photo by Amir Levy/Getty Images)

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel and Hamas are once again struggling to reach a ceasefire that could wind down the 15-month war in Gaza and bring home dozens of Israelis held hostage. The enemies are under pressure from outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump to reach a deal before the Jan. 20 inauguration. The sides have come close before, only to have talks collapse. People familiar with the talks say the latest round of negotiations has bogged down over the names of hostages to be released in a first phase. Israel wants assurances that the hostages are alive, while Hamas says it isn’t sure who is alive or dead.