Palestinian resistance group Hamas said Tuesday that a Gaza cease-fire and prisoner swap agreement is in “its final stages.” In a statement, Hamas underlined the need “to continue consultations with Palestinian faction leaders until the agreement is finalized.”

Israel too is feeling the pressure from the incoming president to end the conflict in Gaza, which threatens to interfere with Trump's hopes to secure a wider regional deal, and his desired image as a president who ends wars.

There was growing optimism about a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release, with U.S. and other officials saying they are closer to a potential deal than they have been in months. NBC News' Richard Engel reports.