Negotiations are under way for the release of 33 Israeli captives by Hamas, Al Jazeera reports citing the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper.

According to a senior Israeli official, the number of Palestinian prisoners to be released will be determined after knowing the number of living and dead captives.

“This time there is optimism and [the deal] seems closer than ever,” they said.

Israeli media, including Channel 12, reported that US President-elect Donald Trump’s envoy arrived in Israel on a surprise visit carrying a message that an agreement must be reached before inauguration on January 20.