The negotiations appeared to be gaining momentum on Monday as Arab and American mediators pushed for an agreement before President-elect Donald J. Trump takes office.

Israel and Hamas have been holding indirect talks for more than a year aimed at ending the war in Gaza and returning the hostages to Israel.

The outline of the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal currently being discussed by Israel and Hamas at indirect talks in Doha has been on the table since May. So why is there fresh anticipation that it could work,