Negotiators in Qatar appeared close on Wednesday to sealing a deal for a ceasefire in the war in Gaza. Hamas had given verbal approval to the ceasefire and hostage return proposal under negotiation in Qatar and was waiting for more information to give final written approval, a Palestinian official, who asked not to be named, told Reuters.

The announcement comes after months of fruitless negotiations and just days before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.

Negotiators in Qatar are on the brink of securing a ceasefire deal in the Gaza conflict, involving Israel and Hamas, after 15 months of devastating warfare. The deal includes hostages' return, a phased ceasefire,