Ceasefire near

Stuff reports:

Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of dozens of hostages, two officials involved in the talks said Tuesday. Mediator Qatar said the negotiations were at the “closest point” yet to sealing a deal. …

Officials have expressed mounting optimism that they can conclude an agreement ahead of the Jan. 20 inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, whose Mideast envoy has joined the negotiations.

This is welcome news, and it is no coincidence that the incoming President has threatened hellfire if there is not a deal by 20 January. His unpredictability is an asset in this case.

UPDATE: There is an agreement.