US President Joe Biden has suggested that a deal to secure the release of some of the hostages held by Hamas is near.
During a Thanksgiving event at the White House on Monday, Biden was asked by a reporter whether a hostage deal is close.
The president replied, "I believe so," adding that he is not prepared to talk. He also showed his fingers crossed.
The Washington Post reported on Saturday that Israel and Hamas are close to an agreement on a US-brokered deal that would free dozens of the hostages held in Gaza, in exchange for a five-day pause in the fighting.