Israel approves Gaza deal

Trump says Hamas fighters ‘will disarm’

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said yesterday that the government had “approved the framework” of a hostage release deal with Hamas, as both sides edged closer to ending more than two years of hostilities in Gaza.

Israel previously said “all parties” had signed the first phase of a ceasefire agreement, adding that Hamas freeing the captives would “bring the end to this war”.

The accord in Egypt follows a 20-point peace plan for Gaza announced last month by US President Donald Trump, who said he planned to leave tomorrow for the Middle East.

Egypt is planning an event to celebrate the conclusion of the deal, with Mr Trump also expected to stop in Israel and consider going to devastated Gaza.

Israel had said the ceasefire was to take hold within 24 hours of meetings on Thursday to approve the deal, under which the military should eventually withdraw from Gaza.

And ina statement early yesterday, Mr Netanyahu's office said the government had “approved the framework for the release of all the hostages — both the living and the deceased”