Israel's full cabinet has approved the Gaza ceasefire deal, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed. 

Israel's security cabinet previously recommended that the deal be approved earlier on Friday, with the truce likely to start on Sunday.  

Initially, the deal would see 33 of 98 hostages freed over a six-week period, with around half of the 98 believed to still be alive. 

The remainder of those held captive are set to be released in a second phase that is yet to be negotiated. 

Hamas said it will not release all hostages without a proper ceasefire and complete withdrawal from Israel. 

Meanwhile, between 990 and 1,650 Palestinian prisoners and detainees are set to be released, with the number depending on how many hostages are freed. 

Hardline ministers in Israel's coalition government criticised the deal as giving in to Hamas. Security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatened to resign if it went ahead. 

While the ceasefire was in the works, Israel continued strikes on Gaza, with officials in Palestine saying 86 people were killed the day after the agreement was uncovered. 

Hamas triggered the war with its October 7, 2023 incursion into Israel that saw its militants kill around 1,200 people and kidnap 250 others.

Israel responded with a devastating offensive that has killed over 46,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, who do not distinguish between civilians and militants but say women and children make up more than half of those killed.

Beyond the death and destruction in Gaza, the conflict has also destabilized the Middle East and sparked worldwide protests.

On Thursday, Israeli strikes killed at least 72 people in Gaza. In previous conflicts, both sides have stepped up military operations in the final hours before ceasefires as a way to project strength.

Netanyahu instructed a special task force to prepare to receive the hostages returning from Gaza, and said that their families were informed a deal had been reached.