Israeli cabinet to consider possible deal for release of hostages held by Hamas

Israel’s war cabinet is to meet to consider a possible deal on the release of hostages held by Hamas (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Israel and the Hamas militant group appeared close to a temporary ceasefire deal that could bring the first pause in fighting in a devastating six-week war and result in the release of dozens of hostages held captive in the Gaza Strip.

Hamas predicted a Qatari-mediated deal could be reached in “the coming hours”, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was set to convene top decision-makers to discuss the matter.