Negotiations between Israel and Hamas hit a last-minute snag, delaying the expected announcement of a ceasefire agreement to pause the devastating 15-month war in the Gaza Strip.

Mughrabi and Maayan Lubell DOHA/CAIRO/JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Negotiators in Qatar appeared close to sealing a deal on Wednesday for a ceasefire in the war in Gaza between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas after 15 months of death and destruction.

Majed al-Ansari, adviser to the Qatari prime minister, said on Jan. 14 that ceasefire "talks are now underway on the final details" and that a deal is at the "closest point" it has ever been.