Qatari and Hamas officials say a ceasefire has been reached to pause Israel's war in Gaza and release dozens of hostages.

Israel’s Cabinet has approved the Gaza ceasefire deal that would pause the fighting and release dozens of hostages held by Hamas militants along with Palestinian prisoners held by Israel

The government vote was delayed by wrangling between Israel and Hamas and by negotiations between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right political allies.

Netanyahu said he would convene his security Cabinet later Friday, and then the government to approve the long-awaited hostage deal.

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.