Israel’s government has approved a ceasefire and hostage exchange deal with Hamas, set to begin Sunday.

The agreement includes releasing 33 Israeli hostages held in Gaza in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners over six weeks.

Israeli forces will withdraw from densely populated areas, allow displaced Palestinians to return, and permit hundreds of daily aid deliveries into Gaza.

Negotiations will continue for a full Israeli troop withdrawal, remaining hostage releases, and Gaza’s reconstruction.

The deal faced opposition from far-right ministers and sparked concerns among hostages’ families over its phased structure, the BBC has reported.

Violence persisted in Gaza despite the announcement.

Written by B.C. Begley