The latest in Syria as man thought to be US citizen found in Damascus: Live updates | CNN

Hamas and Israel are “talking seriously” about a hostage and ceasefire deal in Gaza, a diplomatic source familiar with the matter told CNN.

“Both sides are talking seriously and negotiating in good faith,” the source said, adding that Hamas negotiators are back in the Qatari capital Doha.

The latest efforts toward a ceasefire came after US President-elect Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff met with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on November 22, and Israeli Prime Minister BenjaminNetanyahu the day after, the source said. Al Thani then met Mossad chief David Barnea in Doha on November 24 and againon Wednesday, the source added.

Israeli strikes on Gaza: It comes as health authorities in Gaza say nearly 40 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes overnight and early Thursday.

Among those who died were 15 people at two locations in southern Gaza, they said. The health ministry in the territory said they were guarding aid convoys; the Israeli military told CNN they were Hamas members intent on hijacking aid.

One strike in central Gaza killed seven children, according to a hospital in Nuseirat. A leading orthopedic surgeon was also killed Thursday, his hospital said.

Additional reporting from Mohammad Al Sawalhi in Gaza, Ibrahim Dahman, Abeer Salman, Dana Karni and Tim Lister.