The Israeli security cabinet has approved the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal which was announced in Qatar on Wednesday.
Tribune Online reports that Israel and Hamas had earlier reached the ceasefire and hostage release agreement after negotiations facilitated by Qatar’s prime minister.
The decision, confirmed by the Prime Minister’s Office in a statement on Friday, saw the 11-member security cabinet pass the agreement with a simple majority.
However, the deal still awaits final approval from the full 33-member Israeli cabinet, which is scheduled to meet at 3:30 p.m. local time (8:30 a.m. ET).
Israeli President Isaac Herzog welcomed the cabinet’s decision and reiterated the urgency of bringing back the hostages.
“I harbor no illusions — the deal will bring with it great challenges and painful, agonizing moments that we will need to overcome and face together,” he said in a post on X.
Herzog also expressed solidarity with the affected families, particularly those whose loved ones will not be included in the initial phase of the agreement. “We must bring everyone back. Everyone! We will not rest or relent until this happens.”
The first stage of the ceasefire and hostage release is expected to begin on Sunday.