Throughout the war, there have been several attempts by American, Egyptian, and Qatari mediators to strike a deal, but to no avail. At least 30 of the 101 hostages held in Gaza are presumed dead, and the fate of the others remains uncertain.

Former Israeli diplomat Alon Pinkas predicted Saturday that a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza is unlikely before President Biden departs the White House early next year.

The chance for an end to more than a year of fighting between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and the release of about 100 hostages held by the militants is now “more likely” because of last week’s ceasefire reached by Israel with Hezbollah in Lebanon,