Hamas has become the latest party to the Gaza hostage and ceasefire negotiations to voice optimism about the prospects of reaching a deal, amid a flurry of diplomatic activity in the region.

Long-running Gaza ceasefire talks are progressing, according to both Israeli and Hamas officials who have expressed fresh optimism around the possible end to the war in the Palestinian enclave. A Hamas spokesperson told Newsweek that progress on the talks was "positive and optimistic.

Hamas has yielded to two of Israel’s key demands for a cease-fire deal in Gaza, raising hopes of an agreement within days despite the repeated collapse of previous talks.

Israeli officials say a ceasefire in Gaza is a more realistic prospect than at any time in the past year, suggesting a long-awaited deal to free hostages and boost aid to the beleaguered territory could be close.

Despite optimistic public statements, a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal is not imminent, three Israeli officials tell Axios. Why it matters: The U.S., Israel and the Egyptian and Qatari mediators are trying to reach a deal before President-elect Trump's inauguration on Jan.

The Palestinian militant group says a long--awaited agreement to free all hostage could be reached if Israel stops adding new conditions.

"We are closer than ever to reaching a prisoner exchange deal and a ceasefire, provided that Netanyahu does not obstruct the agreement," the Hamas official said.