Israel, the United States and Hamas are close to an agreement to free dozens of hostages in Gaza in exchange for a five-day pause in fighting, it has been reported.

According to the Washington Post, citing sources familiar with the agreement, the release of hostages could begin within days.

Fifty or more hostages would be released in batches every 24 hours, according to the six-page agreement, the newspaper reported, while a pause in fighting would allow an influx of humanitarian aid to the besieged Gaza Strip.

There are 239 people believed to be held captive by Hamas after they were kidnapped in the terror attack on October 7.

The Israeli embassy in Washington declined to comment on the report, while a White House spokesperson said Israel and Hamas have not yet reached a deal on a temporary ceasefire.

It comes after Israel on Saturday was preparing to expand its offensive against Hamas militants to southern Gaza while air strikes killed dozens of Palestinians, including civilians reported to be sheltering at two schools.

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