Israel’s government is expected to give final approval Friday of a ceasefire deal with Hamas, which could start as soon as Sunday and signal the release of at least two American hostages. “The ceasefire marks a hopeful turning point for Israel,

The Israeli government ratified the Gaza ceasefire and hostage return deal, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said, after a cabinet meeting that lasted more than six hours and ended in the early hours of Saturday.

Deadly Israel airstrikes struck Gaza on Jan. 16 after a ceasefire and hostage release deal was announced. Israel’s government had not yet approved the deal. Gaza’s Civil Defense spokesman said at least 113 people had been killed,

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, expected to begin its first phase Sunday, has brought relief to the international community but questions about whether the truce will hold — an issue that President-elect Trump will have to oversee when he takes office next week.

Israel delayed approval of a deal with Palestinian militant group Hamas for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and release of hostages, but the United States said it still expected the agreement to go into effect on Sunday as planned.

Israel’s security cabinet has recommended that the government approve a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. The security cabinet met early Friday.

Israel on Saturday approved a ceasefire deal with Palestinian militant group Hamas that involves release of hostages in the Gaza Strip, and Israeli forces struck in the enclave before the agreement's scheduled start on Sunday.