The Israeli Cabinet will convene early Friday to ratify a cease-fire and hostage exchange deal with Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip, according to Israeli media on Thursday. The Israel Broadcasting Authority KAN reported the developments on X, citing an official. The agreement, announced by Qatar on Wednesday, is set to take effect Sunday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delayed a vote to approve the Gaza ceasefire deal, due on Thursday, accusing Hamas of seeking last-minute changes to the agreement. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said a "loose end" was being tied up and that he was confident the ceasefire would still begin on Sunday as planned.