CAIRO — Israel and Hamas appear closer than they have been in months to agreeing to a ceasefire that could wind down the 14-month war in Gaza and bring home dozens of people held hostage there. But the sides have come close before, only to have talks collapse over various disagreements . This round of negotiations also faces hurdles.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the pressure is on the Palestinian militant group Hamas to move forward with the cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, arguing the group’s support from its allies in

The order included four residential block areas in a refugee camp where Israel claims Palestinian militants fired rockets from.

Talks over a truce have languished for months as Israel balanced multiple campaigns in Lebanon and, more recently, Syria.

Israeli officials say a ceasefire in Gaza is a more realistic prospect than at any time in the past year, suggesting a long-awaited deal to free hostages and boost aid to the beleaguered territory could be close.