Israel’s security cabinet approved an agreement on a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip that would free Israeli hostages, ending two days of debate that had underscored the pact’s fragility. Approval of the multi-phase deal came hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,

Israel's security cabinet on Friday recommended approving the ceasefire and hostage deal with Hamas, leaving one more step until it could be implemented. The deal still needs to be approved by the full Israeli cabinet,

The cabinet will meet to give final approval to a deal with Hamas for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and release of hostages, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said.