Israel’s cabinet approved an agreement on a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip that would free Israeli hostages, ending two days of debate that had underscored the pact’s fragility. The full cabinet endorsed the deal hours after the security cabinet had approved it.

Israel's government has approved the new Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas, paving the way for it to take effect on Sunday. The decision came after hours of discussions that continued late into the night.

Israel's full cabinet has approved the deal, with 24 ministers voting in favour and eight ministers voting against it.