The negotiations, mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, appear to be making progress after months of failed attempts to achieve a breakthrough.

After more than a year of talks, both sides say they are close to a deal that could halt Israel’s bombardment of Gaza and return Israeli hostages home.

Israel and Hamas appear to be nearing a ceasefire deal, according to optimistic statements from officials representing them as well as the United States and Qatar, where talks are being held. Qatar said Tuesday that Israel and Hamas are at their “closest point” in months to a deal that could halt the devastating 15-month-long war in Gaza and release hostages.

U.S., Qatari and Egyptian mediators shuttled between the Israeli and Hamas delegations in Doha on Tuesday, where officials said a deal to halt the war is near.