RAFAH, Gaza Strip (NEWSnet/AP) — Israel essentially has endorsed framework of a proposed Gaza cease-fire and hostage release deal.

Now, it’s up to Hamas to agree to it, a senior U.S. administration official said Saturday.

The plan involves a six-week cease-fire and the release by Hamas of hostages considered vulnerable, which includes the sick, the wounded, the elderly and women, said the official.

News comes a day before negotiation to reach an agreement is to resume in Egypt.

International mediators have been working for weeks to broker a deal to pause the fighting before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins around March 10. A deal would  allow aid to reach thousands of Palestinians in northern Gaza.

Israel has “more or less accepted” the proposal, the official said.

“Right now, the ball is in the court of Hamas and we are continuing to push this as hard as we possibly can,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House to brief reporters.

No direct confirmation has come from Israel or Hamas officials.

A senior Egypt official said mediators Egypt and Qatar are expected to receive a response from Hamas during the Cairo talks scheduled to start Sunday.

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