Israeli government approves Gaza ceasefire...countdown to cessation of fighting and release of the hostage

As the Israeli government finally approved a ceasefire agreement with Palestinian militant Hamas, the suspension of fighting in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages are on the countdown.

Following the security cabinet meeting, Israel approved the ceasefire at a full cabinet meeting held on the 18th local time.

The full cabinet meeting lasted more than six hours and was finally approved despite opposition from some cabinet hawks.

As a result, the Gaza war, which has lasted for the past 15 months, will enter the first phase of a ceasefire on the 19th.

The two sides plan to stop fighting for six weeks and discuss a permanent ceasefire, exchanging hostages held by Hamas with Palestinian prisoners in Israel.