The government vote was delayed by wrangling between Israel and Hamas and by negotiations between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right political allies.

The deal, mediated by the United States, offered a glimmer of hope in a conflict that has taken an immense human toll.

A cease-fire deal, announced by U.S. and Qatari mediators, promises to end more than a year of conflict in Gaza Strip. Some Israeli hostages would be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners under the agreement.

A visual guide to how much has changed in the Gaza Strip since Israel began its military response to Hamas's attacks on 7 October.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that a last-minute dispute with Hamas was holding up Israeli approval of a long-awaited ceasefire that would pause the fighting in the Gaza Strip and release dozens of hostages.

World leaders have welcomed the newly announced ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, emphasising an urgent need for humanitarian aid and a sustainable political solution for the region, as Israel steps-up air strikes on Gaza ahead of the truce's implementation on Sunday.

The Israel-Hamas war has devastated the Gaza Strip. Satellite photos offer some sense of the destruction in the territory.

The deal promises the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas in phases and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israel.

Israel’s security cabinet has recommended that the government approve a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. The security cabinet met early Friday.

The deal would open a pathway to end the 15-month and begin with an exchange of some of the hostages in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

Qatari and Hamas officials say a ceasefire has been reached to pause Israel's war in Gaza and release dozens of hostages.