Israel and Hamas appear close to a ceasefire deal. These are the sticking points

Associated Press

CAIRO (AP) — Israeli and Hamas appear close to reaching a ceasefire deal to wind down the war in Gaza. But disagreements remain over several issues. According to people familiar with the deal, the agreement is take place in phases and include a halt in fighting, an exchange of captive Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, and a surge in aid to the besieged Gaza Strip. The last phase would include the release of remaining hostages, an end to the war and talks on reconstruction. While both Israel and Hamas have expressed optimism that a deal is close, key sticking points remain surrounding the exchange of hostages for prisoners and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, according to Egyptian, Hamas and U.S. officials.