Officials Report Breakthrough in Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Talks [Video]

U.S. and Arab mediators reported substantial progress overnight in negotiations aimed at brokering a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war and securing the release of scores of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, The Associated Press reported.

Why It Matters

Three officials involved in the negotiations, confirming that progress has been made toward a potential ceasefire, emphasized that the coming days will be crucial for ending more than 15 months of fighting, which has significantly destabilized the Middle East.

The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity, as they were not authorized to discuss the sensitive and ongoing talks publicly, according to The Associated Press.

What to Know

One of the three officials and a Hamasrepresentative acknowledged that several significant hurdles …