Hamas Accepts Deal to Release of Hostages; Israel Now Must Approve

The deal ... would free the hostages, halt the fighting, provide security to Israel and allow us to significantly surge humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians who suffered terribly in this war that Hamas started,

Mr Biden said on Monday

We are not sure if it is hours or days or more,

one Israeli source told The Telegraph, as the White House said

We are very hopeful that we get it over the finish line, finally after all this time,

he told MSNBC,

We've been close before and failed to cross the finish line. But the opportunity for a final agreement is within reach, and the steps to implement it could begin in the coming days."

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan offered cautious optimism

I understand ... there's been a handshake and they are getting it finished – and maybe by the end of the week,

he told the American cable channel Newsmax

Hamas has raised no objections to the proposal, hoping a ceasefire can soon alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza,

the official said

We are very close to getting it done,

Mr Trump, who succeeds Mr Biden as US president on January 20th, said Monday

This is the time to strike with full force, retake Gaza, and dismantle Hamas until it surrenders completely,

he said

There is progress, it looks much better than previously. I want to thank our American friends for the huge efforts they are investing to secure a hostage deal."

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told reporters

I think there is a good chance we can close this ... the parties are right on the cusp of being able to close this deal,

he said