Netanyahu claims a deal has been reached to free hostages held by Hamas.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced on Friday that Hamas is scheduled to free the first hostages under a ceasefire agreement in Gaza on Sunday. According to local authorities, the truce, if it is successful, would put an end to the conflict that has destroyed a large portion of heavily urbanized Gaza, killed over 46,000 people, and repeatedly displaced the majority of the tiny enclave's pre-war population of 2.3 million.Following worries that the agreement would be postponed, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced Friday that the Israeli cabinet will convene to finalize the agreement with militant group Hamas for a truce in Gaza and the release of hostages.

Israeli airplanes continued their heavy bombardment in Gaza, and the Civil Emergency Service said on Friday that since the agreement was made, at least 101 Palestinians had been murdered, including 58 women and children. Israel blamed Hamas for the delay in holding meetings on Thursday when the cabinet was supposed to vote on the pact, citing long-standing disagreements among ministers.