if past is prologue and a settlement is actually within reach Bibi will almost certainly order deadly airstrike thereby killing the deal. I don't think he wants a deal, he doesn't care about the hostages or peace. I think he and his right-wing government wants to completely destroy Gaza no matter the civilian body count. I hope I'm wrong this time, we'll see.

IMO Netanyahu/Likud want Gaza and the West Bank cleared of Palestinians and clear for development (It's said Jared Kushner and company are ready with plans for seaside villas).

Let's see how Bibi foils this plan.

it will matter. Once Trump is in office the guard rails are off the right-wing governmentin Israel. Bibi and Trumps interests will align and the Palestinians in Gaza will be screwed whether Hamas is in the picture or not. Gaza has already been destroyed all that is ledt now is the occupation. That's my opinion.

Thank you, but I think I will wait to hear confirmation from one of the mediating countries before believing Hamas has had a sudden change of heart.

That will NEVER happen. An occasional lull, but peace, forget that.

Over and over again.