Israel's War On Gaza: Movement Nearing Truce With Israel, Says Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh

"We are close to reaching a deal on a truce," Haniyeh said, according to the post.

As per media reports, between Israel and Hamas, attempts for negotiations?have been active in a bid to?release around 240 mostly Israeli hostages seized by the later on October 7 while launching?the deadliest assault on Israel.

Intense negotiations mediated by Qatar, where Hamas has a political office and where Haniyeh is based, have been under way.

Qatar's prime minister said Sunday that a deal to free some of the hostages in return for a temporary ceasefire hinged on "minor" practical issues.

On Monday, US President Joe Biden said he believed a deal to free the hostages was close.

"I believe so," Biden said when asked whether a hostage deal was near.

Biden then crossed his fingers to signal he hoped for good luck.

The?conflict so far

Hamas fighters killed around 1,200 people during their October 7 cross-border assault in which most of the victims were innocent civilians.

Retaliating to Hamas' offensive, Israel too launched a relentless bombing campaign and ground offensive in a bid to?destroy Hamas and secure the release of the hostages.

According to the Hamas government in Gaza, the war has killed more than 13,300 people, thousands of them children.