Relatives and supporters of Israelis held hostage in Gaza gather for a sit-in outside the residence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. The Israeli government is expected to vote on a cease-fire deal this weekend that would see hostages released.John Wessels /AFP via Getty Images

Netanyahu: Gaza cease-fire deal is done and just needs Israeli government approval – POLITICO

17 Jan 2025, 08:05 by Seb Starcevic · POLITICO

A long-awaited hostage-release and cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas in Gaza will be voted on this weekend, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced Friday.

Netanyahu’s office said the Israeli security cabinet would meet Friday to discuss the deal, which involves the halting of hostilities and release of dozens of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, then the wider government would vote to approve it Saturday night, according to Israeli media.

“Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed his appreciation for the negotiating team and all those who assisted,” his office wrote on social media Friday, adding the families of hostages had been informed about the deal.