Israel and Hamas are inching closer to reaching a ceasefire in Gaza with mediators making the final push to seal the deal that would also see the release of hostages.

The renewed talks between the two warring parties in the presence of mediators Qatar, Egypt and the US are a sign that the negotiations are making real progress after months of impasse and continued Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip.

The developments come ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. In December, Trump warned that there would be “hell to pay” if all the hostages were not returned before his inauguration day.

However, there are still many cracks to be filled to work out the finalities of the deal. Here’s a look at what is stopping Israel and Hamas from shaking hands on the agreement:

Protests amid progress

While the two warring parties have been handed over the final drafts of the Gaza truce deal,
protestors have been taking to the streets in opposition to the agreement.

Moderate Israelis and families of hostages have welcomed the developments and have taken to the streets in support of the deal and on the other hand the extremists on the far right are protesting.

Thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv’s ‘Hostage Square’ to stand in solidarity with hostages and their families, renewing their call for the hostages’ safe return.

As negotiators work tirelessly to finalize a deal with Hamas, far-right factions are rallying to block the agreement. Hundreds of extremists gathered in Jerusalem to protest against the ongoing negotiations.

Hamas OKs draft deal

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

The Associated Press obtained a copy of the proposed agreement, and an Egyptian official and a Hamas official confirmed its authenticity. An Israeli official said progress has been made, but the details are being finalized. All three officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the talks.

“I believe we will get a ceasefire,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during a speech Tuesday, asserting it was up to Hamas. “It’s right on the brink. It’s closer than it’s ever been before,” and word could come within hours, or days.

Netanyahu holds meetings

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu went into a meeting with top security officials late Tuesday to discuss the deal, his office said, while US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the “ball is now in Hamas’s court”.

“If Hamas accepts, the deal is ready to be concluded and implemented,” he said.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said during a visit to Rome that there was a “true willingness from our side to reach an agreement”.

However, the deal, which needs the Cabinet’s approval, is facing resistance from hardliners in the government.

In a lengthy social media post, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized the proposed truce as “terrible,” claiming it would “undo the hard-won achievements in the Gaza Strip, secured through the significant sacrifices of our fighters so far.”

Biden calls Egypt

US President Joe Biden and his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said in a phone call Tuesday that “flexibility” was necessary on all sides in order to cement a truce in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, Sisi’s office said.

A spokesperson for the Egyptian leader said “the two presidents reviewed the latest developments in the negotiations and stressed the importance of the concerned parties’ commitment to overcoming obstacles and showing the necessary flexibility to reach an agreement”.

With inputs from agencies