Israel "Security Cabinet Approves Gaza Ceasefire...On the 19th, the release of hostages begins"

Israel held a security cabinet meeting and approved a cease-fire with Palestinian militant Hamas.

Israel's prime minister's office announced at a security cabinet meeting held on the 17th local time that an agreement to implement the Gaza ceasefire was approved through a vote.

The full cabinet meeting, which will finally approve the agreement, is expected to take place on the afternoon of the 18th local time.

Earlier, the prime minister's office explained that the release of hostages could begin as planned once the ceasefire agreement is approved by the security and full cabinet, and that three female hostages would first be released on the 19th.

In this regard, Israel's "Channel 12 News" reported that the ceasefire agreement will take effect at 12:15 p.m. on the 19th and the first release of hostages will take place at 4 p.m.

On the 16th, Israel and Hamas agreed to a three-stage cease-fire to discuss a permanent end to the war, stopping 42 days of fighting in Gaza and exchanging Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.