Israeli Cabinet approves ceasefire-hostage deal with Hamas

The original plan was to have the vote happen over the weekend, but it will likely happen today.

Published: January 17, 2025 8:19am

Updated: January 17, 2025 6:32pm

Israel's full Cabinet on Friday evening approved a long-awaited ceasefire-hostage deal with Hamas.

Late Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister’s office confirmed that a deal with Hamas to release the hostages held in Gaza, which had been months in the making.

The deal was approved by Israel's security cabinet earlier Friday, but took hours to be approved by the full Cabinet, according to the Associated Press.

The agreement is expect to take effect Sunday and if completed would lead to the phased release of hostages and Palestinian prisoner.