Hamas is anticipated to release the first hostages as part of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza on Sunday, according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s office on Friday. If the ceasefire is successfully implemented, it would bring an end to the ongoing conflict that has devastated much of densely populated Gaza, resulting in over 46,000 fatalities and displacing the majority of the enclave’s pre-war population of 2.3 million, as reported by local authorities.

The Israeli cabinet is scheduled to convene to provide final approval for the ceasefire agreement with Hamas and the subsequent release of hostages, following concerns that the implementation of the accord might face delays.

Meanwhile, in Gaza, Israeli airstrikes continued unabated, with the Civil Emergency Service reporting on Friday that at least 101 individuals, including 58 women and children, have lost their lives since the announcement of the deal.

Amid visible divisions among ministers, Israel postponed meetings that were anticipated on Thursday, during which the cabinet was expected to vote on the agreement, attributing the delay to Hamas. Hamas has expressed its commitment to the deal.

However, in the early hours of Friday, Netanyahu’s office indicated that approval was imminent, with the restricted security cabinet set to meet before a full cabinet session later to ratify the agreement. “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was informed by the negotiating team that agreements have been reached on a deal to release the hostages,” his office stated.