Israel took final steps to approve a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal on Saturday in Israel, which is now expected to go into effect Sunday. Here's what to know.

The deal to pause the 15-month war includes the release of hostages held by Hamas. Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel would be released in exchange, according to The Associated Press.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that he is "confident" and "fully" expects the agreement between Israel and Hamas to come into effect. According to him, this will happen on January 19, CNN informs.

Reactions from world leaders have been pouring in hailing the ceasefire deal in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. View on euronews

The dispute underscores the fragility of the deal as mediators worked to ensure that it would go into effect on schedule.

Various key coalition members back accord, but finance minister denounces 'dangerous deal,' conditions continued membership in government on full restart of war after truce The post Herzog urges cabinet to support Gaza deal,

The post Herzog meets with Red Cross president to discuss preparations for hostages’ release appeared first on The Times of Israel.

Despite ongoing disputes over the details of a ceasefire deal in the Gaza war, Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed optimism on Thursday that the talks in Qatar would be concluded swiftly. "There are tough negotiations over a very important detail,

The full Israeli cabinet passed the agreement during a meeting that continued into the Jewish Sabbath, setting up the first reprieve in Gaza in over a year.

I have been asked quite a bit about my reaction to the ceasefire deal announced that evening. The first batch of hostages are due to be released on Sunday.

The socio-economic impact of the conflict further complicates peace efforts. Gaza’s infrastructure lies in ruins, hampering economic development and exacerbating poverty. In Israel, particularly in areas near conflict zones,