Hamas is expected to release 33 hostages during the first phase of an emerging ceasefire agreement being finalized by negotiators in Doha, the first positive sign in months that a truce in the Israel-Hamas war may be in sight.

Qatar says it is hopeful that a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal could be agreed "very soon", with negotiators from Israel and Hamas beginning a "final stage" of indirect talks in Doha. Foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari told reporters that major issues had been resolved in recent weeks and that drafts of a possible deal had been handed over to both sides.

Growing optimism about a possible ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas after more than 15 months of war. The potential breakthrough in Qatar is happening as the bloodshed continues in Gaza. You can see people picking through the rubble of a house in the southern city of Khan Younis - destroyed overnight in an Israeli air-strike.