Israel's security cabinet approves Gaza ceasefire and hostage return agreement

Israel’s security cabinet has recommended approving a ceasefire deal that would pause fighting in Gaza and exchange dozens of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners in Israel.

The approval comes after a delay which sparked fears that last-minute disagreements between Hamas and Israel could halt an agreement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also faced opposition from hard-line members of his coalition government, who threatened to resign over the proposal.

The deal will now go to the full cabinet for the final signoff with the aim that the ceasefire will come into effect on Sunday, when the first hostages will be released.

Israel's high court is scheduled to hear petitions against different aspects of the agreement, but is expected to not intervene.

This is a developing story and our journalists are working on further updates.