JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel and Hamas are once again struggling to reach a ceasefire that could wind down the 15-month war in Gaza and bring home dozens of Israelis held hostage. The enemies are under pressure from outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump to reach a deal before the Jan. 20 inauguration. The sides have come close before, only to have talks collapse. People familiar with the talks say the latest round of negotiations has bogged down over the names of hostages to be released in a first phase. Israel wants assurances that the hostages are alive, while Hamas says it isn’t sure who is alive or dead.
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