Israel’s cabinet has approved a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, the Palestinian militant group controlling Gaza, alongside a plan for the release of hostages, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed on Saturday. The decision follows a six-hour meeting, with the ceasefire scheduled to commence on Sunday.

“The Government has approved the framework for the return of the hostages. The framework for the hostages’ release will come into effect on Sunday,” read the statement from Netanyahu’s office.

The agreement marks a potential turning point in the 15-month conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in devastating loss of life and displacement. Despite the ceasefire arrangement, Israeli airstrikes continued in Gaza, with medics reporting five fatalities from a strike in Khan Younis early Saturday. This brings the death toll since the ceasefire announcement on Wednesday to 119.

The deal involves a three-stage ceasefire starting with an initial six-week phase, during which hostages held by Hamas will be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel. The first phase will see the release of 33 Israeli hostages, primarily women, children, and older men, while Israel will release Palestinian women and minors under 19.

U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk confirmed that the plan is on track, with the ceasefire expected to begin Sunday morning. The Red Cross will oversee the release of three female Israeli hostages on Sunday afternoon.

The Israeli Justice Ministry has released a list of 95 Palestinian prisoners scheduled for release on Sunday. Additional hostages and prisoners are expected to be exchanged in subsequent weeks under the agreement's terms.

The ceasefire deal has sparked controversy within Netanyahu’s coalition government, with 24 ministers voting in favor and eight opposing it. Hardliners, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have expressed strong opposition, calling the agreement a capitulation to Hamas. Both have threatened to resign if the government does not resume military action after the first phase.

The ceasefire deal also includes provisions for a surge in humanitarian aid to Gaza. Thousands of trucks carrying food, fuel, and medical supplies are poised to enter the enclave, according to the UNRWA, offering much-needed relief to civilians facing hunger, cold, and disease.

Displaced Gazans expressed hope for an end to the dire conditions. “I hope it will happen so we’ll be able to cook in our homes and make whatever food we want, without having to go to soup kitchens,” said Reeham Sheikh al-Eid, a displaced Palestinian.

The agreement, if successful, could ease regional tensions, including hostilities involving Iran-backed groups such as Hezbollah, Yemen’s Houthis, and armed factions in Iraq. However, with deep divisions within Israel’s government and ongoing violence in Gaza, the road to lasting peace remains uncertain.

As the ceasefire prepares to take effect, international attention remains fixed on its implementation and potential to halt one of the region’s deadliest conflicts in recent years.