Israeli officials told media outlets on Monday morning that a major breakthrough in negotiations for a hostage deal in Hamas occurred overnight, with a deal imminent if it is approved by the terror group. Senior Israeli officials confirmed that a deal is close but it’s “all in the hands of Hamas” and “could be hours or days.” “Israel has come a long way” in the negotiations, one source said. According to one source, the “Trump effect” has led Qatar mediators to put intense pressure on Hamas to accept a deal. Reuters reported that a breakthrough was reached in Doha after midnight following negotiations between the heads of the Mossad and Shin Bet, President-elect Trump’s Middle East envoy, and Qatar’s prime minister. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)