Work on an agreement that would pause months of fighting and free some hostages resumed after Hamas went silent.

The Israeli government and Hamas say that they are in the final stages of indirect talks over a deal for a ceasefire and the release of hostages held in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Officials say Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of dozens of hostages.

Israeli airstrikes on homes in the Gaza Strip killed at least 17 Palestinians, health officials said Tuesday. Earlier strikes in Gaza killed at least 18 people, including two women and four children, according to local health officials, who said one woman was pregnant and the baby died as well.

Officials say Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of dozens of hostages. Mediators from the United States and Qatar said

Progress in cease-fire talks has raised hopes a deal could be reached to release some of the hostages still held in the Gaza Strip and pause fighting that has dragged on for 15 months.

Qatar officials say Hamas has accepted a draft agreement to a ceasefire with Israel that includes the release of 33 hostages from the Gaza Strip.

In a significant development, Qatar announced on Tuesday that Israel and Hamas are closer than ever to finalizing a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and securing the release of dozens of hostages. Officials involved in the negotiations have indicated that a deal could be reached “very soon.