A hostage deal could be finalized by the end of the week, a Hamas official told the Saudi news outlet Asharq Al-Awsat.
The Wednesday report quoted the official as saying the agreement is "imminent," with most of the key points already settled.
According to Asharq Al-Awsat, the first phase of the agreement would last 45-60 days. During this time, Hamas would release approximately 30 hostages, both alive and deceased, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
Additionally, the deal would require the IDF to withdraw from Gaza's urban centers while maintaining positions in the Philadelphi and Netzarim corridors. These areas border Egypt and divide central Gaza, respectively.
The agreement would also allow Palestinian women and children to return to northern Gaza.
On Tuesday, sources involved in the negotiations told The Jerusalem Post that substantial progress had been made, with a deal potentially achievable within a month.
