A deal could be announced as soon as Tuesday, Arab and Israeli officials said, raising hopes that some of the hostages held in Gaza will be released.

The negotiations, mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, appear to be making progress after months of failed attempts to achieve a breakthrough.

President-elect Donald Trump said he believed negotiators could conclude a ceasefire deal that would see Hamas turn over Israeli hostages before his inauguration next Monday, in the latest signal that an agreement could be near.