The Israeli government must still formally approve the deal, which calls for Israel’s withdrawal from some areas of Gaza and the return of hostages taken by Hamas.

The deal will take place in three different phases, each of which will last for six weeks, according to U.S. and Qatari officials.

Israel and Hamas have agreed a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal following meetings with Qatar's prime minister, a source briefed on the talks has told the BBC. There was no confirmation from the Israeli government or Hamas, but a Hamas official earlier told the BBC it had approved a draft from Qatari, US and Egyptian mediators.

The deal, mediated by the United States, offered a glimmer of hope in a conflict that has taken an immense human toll.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Thursday his Cabinet won’t meet to approve the agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of dozens of hostages until Hamas backs down from what it called a “last minute crisis.

President Joe Biden on Wednesday announced a ceasefire agreement and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, welcoming the step that will pause fighting in Gaza and lead to the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners.