A senior U.S. administration official stated that Israel has essentially supported the framework of a proposed Gaza cease-fire and hostage release deal.

The ball is now in Hamas’s court to agree to the proposed terms. Talks to finalize the agreement are scheduled to resume in Egypt.

International mediators have been actively working on this deal for weeks, aiming to halt the fighting before the start of Ramadan around March 10.

If agreed upon, the cease-fire could enable aid to reach hundreds of thousands of vulnerable Palestinians in northern Gaza, addressing concerns of a potential famine, the Associated Press reported.

The Israeli acceptance reportedly includes a six-week cease-fire and the release of hostages by Hamas, focusing on the sick, wounded, elderly, and women.

There has been no immediate response from officials in Israel or Hamas.

Written by B.C. Begley