Hamas has reportedly agreed to a draft of a multi-phase cease-fire deal with Israel that would include the release of hostages who were taken into Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023.

Mediators in the war between Israel and Hamas say a deal could be imminent. The Associated Press reports Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a cease-fire and release of hostages.

Officials have expressed mounting optimism that they can conclude an agreement in the coming days after more than a year of talks that have repeatedly stalled.

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.

There was growing optimism about a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release, with U.S. and other officials saying they are closer to a potential deal than they have been in months. NBC News' Richard Engel reports.

Three officials acknowledged progress has been made and said the coming days would be critical for ending more than 15 months of fighting that has destabilized the Middle East.

Palestinian health officials say Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip have killed at least 18 people overnight, including women and children