The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and Israel have reported positive progress towards a possible ceasefire recently, as the two sides took active actions to move closer to a truce in the Gaza Strip.
On Sunday, Israel and Hamas began a new round of indirect negotiations in Doha, Qatar, regarding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the exchange of detainees.
On Wednesday evening, Hamas issued a statement expressing its desire to reach a comprehensive agreement on a ceasefire and prisoner exchange, agreeing to release 10 Israeli detainees.
The core issues remain under negotiation.
According to a report by The Times of Israel on Wednesday, Israel submitted a new proposal for a partial withdrawal of troops from the Gaza Strip.
The report said that Hamas had rejected Israel's previous withdrawal plan, which was one of the main sticking points in the talks. The new proposal has brought the two sides closer to an agreement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the latest round of ceasefire talks in Doha had made progress, during a meeting with families of Israeli detainees in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday evening.
It remains unclear what specific progress Netanyahu was referring to.
Additionally, a senior Israeli official said that Israel and Hamas might reach an agreement on a ceasefire and prisoner exchange within one to two weeks, though the process would not be completed quickly.
The official added that if Israel and Hamas agree to a proposed 60-day ceasefire, negotiations for a permanent truce could continue during this period. However, Israel demands that Hamas disarm, and if Hamas refuses, Israel will resume military operations.
On Wednesday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed to the United States his hope that the Palestinian side could participate in negotiations over the ceasefire and detainee releases.
Abbas stated that Palestine should be included at the negotiating table, particularly in discussions on long-term security arrangements, as it may take over or administer parts of Gaza in the future.
The U.S. side has not yet formally responded to Abbas' request.
U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff said on Tuesday that unresolved issues in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks had been reduced from four to one, raising hopes for a temporary truce agreement this week.
Hamas, Israel report positive progress toward possible ceasefire
Southern China's tropical island province of Hainan has seen record tourism and consumption over the New Year holiday, running from Thursday to Saturday.
On New Year's Day, the island's three major airports handled 1,065 flights and over 169,500 passenger trips.
Inbound and outbound travel has also increased, with entries and exits across Hainan's ports expected to reach 33,500 during the three-day holiday.
The 2026 New Year holiday marks the first public holiday after Hainan -- the world's largest free trade port by area -- officially launched island-wide special customs operations on Dec 18.
The FTP policies include visa-free access for travelers from 86 countries, as well as expanded visa-waiver arrangements for cruise passengers and tour groups, making the resort island with stunning coastal landscapes and rich ethnic cultural heritages an alluring destination for international tourists.
Bookings for international flights to the renowned tourism city of Sanya have jumped by 500 percent year-on-year, while bookings to Haikou, the capital of Hainan, have surged by over 300 percent, with visitors mainly from Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Airports have boosted capacity to ensure tourists enjoy smooth journeys.
"My family and I decided to come here and see the changes in Hainan, and enjoy the delicious food and beautiful scenery here. We've planned a six-day tour around the island," said a traveler from Malaysia.
"The scenery is absolutely stunning, and we can also go swimming. It's winter now, but we can still sunbathe here. In many other places, you can't walk around in just one layer of clothing like this. I think scenic spots such as Luhuitou Peninsula and Houhai Village are really great, and there are plenty of tasty food too," said a tourist from Russia.
Hainan's duty-free policy also attracts international visitors. Not only can they purchase sought-after international brands at lower prices there, they can also easily get premium Made-in-China products.
For the New Year holiday, duty-free shopping centers across the island have launched festive promotions and interactive events to further boost consumption.
"When I come here, I'm actually much more interested in Chinese brands. And I know the quality is just as good, if not better than in many cases. Given that it expands the opportunities for shopping for foreigners like me, it's something only to be appreciated," said Vincent Thomes, a shopper from Canada.
Hainan sees tourism boom over New Year holiday, with cross-border trips expected to reach 33,500
