Diplomats expressed cautious optimism on Tuesday that an agreement between Israel and Hamas may be within reach. But they also warned that it was not signed yet.

After more than a year of talks, both sides say they are close to a deal that could halt Israel’s bombardment of Gaza and return Israeli hostages home.

Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of dozens of hostages, two officials involved in the talks said Tuesday.