Here are some of the stories we're covering from around the world:

Israel and Hamas Nearly Struck a Deal to Free Up to 50 Hostages

Indirect talks mediated by Qatar snagged after Israel’s ground invasion of Gaza on Oct. 27. They have resumed, but hopes for a quick release have faded.

Ukraine Gets an Encouraging Sign in Its Bid to Join the E.U.

The European Union’s executive arm recommended on Wednesday that the bloc open membership talks with Ukraine, an encouraging step for the government in Kyiv in what remains a long and arduous joining process.

A New Answer for Migrants in Central America: Bus Them North

Costa Rica and Panama are busing people through their countries to ease the concentration of people along their borders, which Biden officials fear will encourage more people to travel to the U.S. border.

@nytimes