After weeks of negotiation, Israeli and Palestinian authorities may be nearing a cease-fire agreement that would allow for the release of hostages in the custody of Hamas — which governs the Gaza Strip — and prisoners detained in Israel. Both sides have accepted the general framework that includes more aid for Gazans, U.S. officials say, but not all of the details. Israel, Hamas and their mediators are trying to make a deal before March 10, the start of the holy month of Ramadan.