Trump: Ceasefire in Gaza ‘Very Close,’ as Hamas Accepts Draft [Video]

President-elect Donald Trump has described a possible ceasefire between Israel and Hamas as being “very close,” as the Palestinian militant group has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of dozens of hostages, The Associated Press reported citing two officials involved in the talks.

An Israeli official also said progress had been made, but the details were being finalized.

Why It Matters

Officials are rushing to reach a deal to end the war in Gaza and return the 98 hostages still held in the enclave before Trump returns to the Oval Office on January 20. Seven of the remaining hostages are U.S. citizens.

Trump said earlier in January that “all hell will break out in the Middle East” if the hostages in Gaza were not released by his inauguration. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said on Monday that the Israeli government was working with Biden and Trump officials on a ceasefire and hostage …