The post Israel and Hamas sign hostage-ceasefire deal in Doha after mediators iron out final kinks appeared first on The Times of Israel.

Israel's government approved a ceasefire deal with Hamas early Saturday morning.

The Israeli cabinet will meet to give approval to a deal with Hamas for a ceasefire in Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said.

The negotiations, mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, appear to be making progress after months of failed attempts to achieve a breakthrough.

The post Herzog meets Qatari PM, thanks him for Doha’s role in securing ceasefire appeared first on The Times of Israel.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s office confirmed that a deal has been agreed upon with Hamas to release the hostages held in Gaza. Follow for live news updates.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken had said the U.S. wanted a ceasefire deal in Gaza and all remaining captives released before Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20.

The deal, not yet formally announced, outlines a six-week initial ceasefire phase and includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian detainees held by Israel.

Inside a lavish clubhouse on Doha’s waterfront, tensions strained by months of fruitless back-and-forth weighed on negotiators as the hour neared 3 a.m.

Qatar’s success in helping to broker the long-awaited Gaza ceasefire has enhanced its reputation as an international mediator, with officials now considering which other conflicts they could help resolve.

Israelis are starkly divided over a deal to end hostilities in Gaza and bring home hostages. The majority want the war to end. Others, especially government hardliners, insist on pursuing the war until the bitter end.