Hamas is close to approving a ceasefire proposal that would release hostages in stages and secure a US-backed withdrawal pledge

On May 4th, according to the Palestinian Al-Quds newspaper, Hamas will announce in the next few hours the approval of the ceasefire and the latest proposal for the release of hostages. The Saudi newspaper Al-Shaq also reported that a ceasefire agreement is imminent. Sources said that there have been frequent communications between mediators from Egypt and Qatar and the Hamas and Israeli delegations in order to reach an agreement on the number of hostage exchanges. According to reports, the latest ceasefire proposal consists of three phases: the first phase lasts for 40 days, which includes the release of 33 of the 128 Israeli hostages and the withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces from parts of Gaza; the second phase lasts for 42 days, releasing all other living hostages, and the two sides continue to maintain a ceasefire in the Gaza region. The third and final phase, in which the two sides exchange war dead, will also last 42 days. < b > The US has reportedly given assurances that Israel will withdraw all its troops from Gaza after the third phase of the deal is completed . Hamas hopes to reach a deal acceptable to all parties by the end of this week, sources said.