Israel and Hamas are considering a three-stage deal that would release hostages in Gaza beginning with a six-week cease-fire, according to officials with knowledge of the draft agreement hashed out by international intelligence chiefs in Paris this week.
Washington says a deal to free more hostages and stop the clashes in Gaza is closer than at any time since the collapse of a cease-fire in December. Getting it over the line would mean surmounting internal divisions and entrenched differences between the warring sides. Officials say the obstacles make an imminent deal unlikely, but suggest that if they are overcome an agreement could be completed within a week to 10 days.