Qatar-mediated deal between Israel, Hamas 'closer than it has ever been' - source

A Qatar-mediated agreement between Israel and Hamas is in its "final stages" and is "closer than it has ever been," a source briefed on the talks told Reuters on Tuesday.

The deal is for a multi-day pause in hostilities, the release of around 50 civilian hostages by Hamas and the release of Palestinian women and children from Israeli custody, the source briefed on the talks said.