Israel’s cabinet backs deal for Gaza ceasefire and release of dozens of hostages

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, centre, convened his security cabinet to vote on a ceasefire deal after confirming an agreement had been reached that would pause the 15-month war with Hamas in Gaza (Koby Gideon/Israeli Government Press Office via AP)

Israel’s cabinet has approved a deal for a ceasefire in Gaza that would release dozens of hostages held there and pause the 15-month war with Hamas, bringing the sides a step closer to ending their deadliest and most destructive fighting ever.

The government announced the approval after 1am Jerusalem time on Saturday, following an hours-long meeting of the full cabinet that went well past the beginning of the Jewish Sabbath, in a reflection of the moment’s importance.