“Very close” is the agreement, according to U.S. President Joe Biden, to release some of the more than 200 captives that Hamas is holding in Gaza.

“My group is traveling around the area between the capitals. We now have a very good chance of returning some of these hostages home very soon. But before a White House event about combating fentanyl trafficking, Biden told reporters, “I don’t want to get into the specifics because nothing is done until it’s done.”

“When we have more to say we will,” he added.

Biden’s optimism echoed similar comments coming from the Middle East.

The leader of Hamas on Tuesday said a truce agreement with Israel was close, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he hoped for good news soon about hostages, the most optimistic signals so far of a deal to pause fighting and free captives.