**Gaza Deal on the Brink of Being Reached**
Palestinians and Israelis are hopeful that a deal to end the war in Gaza is close. The war started after an attack by Hamas in October 2023, which killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages.
**Hope for Release of Hostages**
Sanabel, a 17-year-old girl from Gaza City, said she was feeling optimistic about the possibility of a deal being reached. She said that everyone in northern Gaza is “feeling happy” and hoping for peace. Sanabel’s best friend was displaced to the south of the Gaza Strip, but they have been talking about what they would do if the war ended.
**Talks Enter Final Stages**
Qatar‘s foreign ministry spokesman said on Tuesday that there were no major issues blocking a deal between Israel and Hamas. The talks are focused on “the final details of reaching an agreement”. An Israeli government official said the talks had made “real progress” and entered a critical period.
**US Secretary of State Optimistic**
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said a deal was “right on the brink”. He added that the US hopes to give a plan to the new President for the post-war Gaza. The plan includes making sure Hamas does not start a regional conflict, but it does not include giving control of Gaza to the Palestinian Authority immediately.
**Families of Hostages Want Deal**
Relatives of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since October 2023 have spoken about their hopes for a deal. They want all the remaining hostages to be released and returned home safely. Some families are worried that they might be left behind if the deal fails at a later date.
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