The Biden administration called for a final push before the president leaves office, with many seeing the Trump inauguration as an unofficial deadline.

Of around 250 people taken into the Gaza Strip as hostages on Oct. 7, 2023, about 100, living and dead, are believed to still be held.

Mediators say Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal to pause the devastating 15-month war in the Gaza Strip, raising the possibility of winding down the deadliest and most destructive fighting between the bitter enemies.