JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s security Cabinet recommended approval on Friday of a ceasefire deal after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed an agreement had been reached that would pause the 15-month war with Hamas in Gaza and release dozens of hostages held by militants there.

Israel's security cabinet approved a deal with Palestinian group Hamas for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and release of hostages. It was not immediately clear whether the full cabinet would meet on Friday or Saturday or whether there would be any delay to the start of the ceasefire on Sunday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hamas of backing out of a cease-fire deal to release hostages and end the war in Gaza, which has raged for more than a year.

At best, it's a painful, and hopefully fleeting, surrender to theocrats that will save the lives of some hostages.

The deal, not yet formally announced, outlines a six-week initial ceasefire phase and includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian detainees held by Israel.

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

Donald Trump said on Wednesday he would use the Gaza ceasefire deal as momentum to expand the Abraham Accords, U.S.-backed agreements struck during the president-elect's first term that normalized Israel's relations with several Arab countries.

There’s nothing from the White House yet, but the incoming President of the United States says a peace deal has been reached in the Middle East today. As rumors broke out that Israel and Hamas had come to a ceasefire deal that will see hostages held since October 7,