Hamas is expected to release 33 hostages during the first phase of an emerging ceasefire agreement being finalized by negotiators in Doha, two Israeli officials said.

Israel and Hamas have reached a deal to halt the fighting in the Gaza Strip and free more than a third of the Israeli hostages, who have had to endure more than 15 months of captivity, officials

Hamas and Islamic Jihad agree to a Gaza ceasefire and a prisoner exchange deal with Israel, where 33 hostages will be swapped for 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. This deal includes a phased release plan and ongoing negotiations for remaining captives.

The proposed three-phase deal would begin with the gradual release of 33 hostages—including women, children, elderly individuals and wounded civilians—over a 42-day period, in exchange for potentially hundreds of Palestinian women and children detained by Israel.

Officials say Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of dozens of hostages. This three-phase plan would need to be submitted to the Israeli Cabinet for final approval.

Israel believes most of the 33 hostages are alive, although some deceased hostages may also be included in the initial release.