The Israeli cabinet has approved the ceasefire in Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed.
Israel’s security cabinet previously recommended approving the deal earlier on Friday, with the ceasefire likely to take effect on Sunday.
Initially, the deal would see 33 of the 98 hostages released over a six-week period, with half of the 98 believed to still be alive.
The rest of the prisoners will be released in a second phase to be negotiated.
Hamas said it will not release all hostages without a proper ceasefire and complete withdrawal from Israel.
Meanwhile, between 990 and 1,650 Palestinian prisoners and detainees will be released, with the number depending on the number of hostages released.
Hardline ministers in Israel’s coalition government criticized the deal for pandering to Hamas. Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatened to resign if this continued.
The Israeli cabinet has approved the ceasefire in Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed