Israel's cabinet approved a deal with Palestinian militant group Hamas for a ceasefire and release of hostages in the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Saturday, a day ahead of the agreement's scheduled start.

Israel’s government approved a ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas, paving the way for the agreement to take effect Sunday and potentially signalling a new chapter in a bloody 15-month conflict that has enflamed the Middle East.

The Israeli government has voted to approve a ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas, clearing the way for the war in Gaza to halt for a 42-day period. It is scheduled to start at 8.30 a.m. Sunday,