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.

A deal could be announced as soon as Tuesday, Arab and Israeli officials said, raising hopes of an agreement that would at least pause the fighting in the Gaza Strip.

An initial 42-day cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas, being negotiated in Doha, could be finalized in the next 24 hours with the release of 33 hostages currently being held in Gaza, according to senior officials.