Israel’s security cabinet has approved a deal with Hamas for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages and prisoners.
It will now go to the full cabinet for final sign-off, with a full government meeting scheduled for 3.30pm local time.
A statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said approval came “after examining all political, security and humanitarian aspects” and with the understanding it “supports the achievement of the war’s goals”.
If passed, the truce could begin on Sunday.
Live – Gaza ceasefire agreement latest
In its first stage, the deal will see 33 of the 98 hostages freed over the course of six weeks. About half of the 98 are believed to be alive.
The remainder are to be released in a second phase that will be negotiated during the first.
Hamas has said it won’t release them all without a lasting ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal.
Between 990 and 1,650 Palestinian prisoners and detainees will be released in exchange. The exact number depends on the number of hostages released.
Hardliners in Israel’s coalition government have criticised the deal as giving in to Hamas and security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatened to resign if it was approved.
However, he said he wouldn’t bring down the government and ministers are expected to approve it.
Read more:
What does Gaza ceasefire say?
What do Israelis think of the deal?
Despite a ceasefire potentially just days away, Israel has continued strikes on Gaza – Palestinian officials said 86 people were killed the day after it was unveiled.
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More than 46,000 people have been killed in Israel’s offensive in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to officials there.
Around 1,200 were murdered in Israel – alongside those kidnapped – in the October 2023 Hamas terror attack that started the war.
Israel has said it wants to wipe out the group and has killed some 17,000 of its fighters.
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However, it’s been accused of not doing enough to protect civilians in a war that’s devastated Gaza and displaced hundreds of thousands.
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