Envoy Steve Witkoff, carrying a message from Donald Trump, broke through the impasse in long-futile cease-fire talks.

The Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement is expected to take effect as soon as Sunday. But the most significant diplomatic breakthrough in over a year of brutal war between Israel and Hamas is rife with risks,

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced Friday the ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas has been finalized. It comes after doubt was cast on the deal a day earlier. Netanyahu's cabinet will meet to approve the deal Friday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office alleged that Hamas had backed out on parts of a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal agreed Wednesday, potentially delaying a truce between the two sides that was set to go into effect on Sunday—a day before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said he will convene his security cabinet Friday and then the government to approve the agreement.

The proposed terms, which include the release of hostages and at least a temporary pause in fighting in Gaza, were agreed to by the Israeli and Hamas negotiating teams, the Israeli prime

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office postponed a cabinet meeting to approve a cease-fire and hostage release deal with Hamas indefinitely, accusing the group of going back on parts of the agreement.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday a deal to return hostages held in the Gaza Strip has been reached, after his office had said earlier there were last minute snags in finalizing a ceasefire that would pause 15 months of war.