Reports of optimism about Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal

US secretary of state says he is confident agreement can be reached in renewed push before Donald Trump takes officeIsrael and Hamas appear to be edging closer towards a ceasefire and hostage release deal that could bring the bloodshed in the Gaza Strip to an end amid reports of optimism among decision makers.The latest round of negotiations intended to broker a lasting truce in the 15-month-old conflict resumed in Qatar on Sunday. Hamas said on Monday that it had given mediators a list of 34 Is