Tel Aviv: The Israeli Cabinet will convene early Friday to ratify the Gaza cease-fire and hostage exchange deal, public broadcaster KAN reported on Thursday. The meeting, originally scheduled for Thursday, was postponed due to opposition from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right allies.

According to Anadolu Agency, Qatar announced on Wednesday the agreement to end over 15 months of Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, which have resulted in more than 46,000 deaths, primarily affecting women and children since October 7, 2023. The conflict has left significant destruction in the enclave.

Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth, referencing unnamed Israeli and American officials, reported that disagreements regarding the Qatar negotiations have been resolved. Aryeh Deri, a Knesset member and leader of the Shas party, which is part of the governing coalition, confirmed that all obstacles have been overcome and that the deal is moving forward. He mentioned they are currently focused on finalizing the technical wording of the agreement.

The three-phase deal, scheduled to take effect on Sunday, involves a prisoner exchange and a period of calm, aiming for a permanent truce and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. In the initial phase, 33 Israeli captives are expected to be released in exchange for a number of Palestinian prisoners.

In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.