ISRAEL'S Security Cabinet has recommended approval of a ceasefire that would pause the fighting in Gaza for an initial six weeks and will see the release of dozens of hostages.
The deal will now go to the full Cabinet.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said that if a deal is passed, the ceasefire could start as soon as Sunday, with the first hostages released on the day.
The approval from the cabinet came after an unexpected delay, which sparked fears that last-minute disagreements between Israel and Hamas could end the agreement.
It was reported that far-right members of the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government also threatened to derail the proposed agreement, potentially ending months of work to end the conflict.
The deal will go to the full Cabinet for the final signoff so that the agreement can be implemented on Sunday.
The Israeli high court is also still to hear petitions against parts of the agreement, but it has been reported that it is widely expected not to intervene.
Mediators Qatar and the US announced the ceasefire on Wednesday.
The deal between Israel and Hamas will involve a six-week initial ceasefire phase which will see the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the return of Palestinians to the north of the territory.
Hostages held by Hamas will then be released and Palestinian detainees held by Israel will also released.
