"The government has just approved the framework for the release of all the hostages -- both the living and the deceased," a statement issued by the prime minister's office said.

The truce, initially set to begin at noon, was postponed after the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it would only take effect once the cabinet had formally endorsed the agreement.

A Hamas spokesperson warned earlier on Thursday that Israel was attempting to change key elements of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, including the timing, prisoner lists, and the return of displaced people, while continuing to delay its commitments, such as withdrawal and detainee releases.

Israeli media reported several hold-ups, the most recent citing a meeting between Netanyahu, US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Mr Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, who have spearheaded Washington's efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza.

The much-awaited approval came shortly after an Israeli strike on the Sabra neighbourhood, south of Gaza City, killed four Palestinians, with about 40 others missing and believed to be trapped under the rubble, according to Gaza’s civil defence.

Trump earlier announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of a Gaza deal involving the exchange of captives held in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners detained in Israel.

The first phase will include a partial Israeli withdrawal to a so-called “yellow line”, reducing Israel’s control of Gaza to about 53% of the territory. The withdrawal is expected within 24 hours of the ceasefire’s approval, followed by a captive–prisoner exchange within 72 hours.

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