A statement from the Israeli prime minister's office, seen by the ABC, says Israeli hostages held by Hamas could start being released as early as Sunday — if the cabinet approves the ceasefire deal on Friday.
The development comes after the Israeli government and Palestinian militant group Hamas reached a ceasefire deal that would see 33 hostages released in the first stage, in exchange for a six-week cessation in hostilities.
The families of those held captive have been told and preparations made for their return, Benjamin Netanyahu's team said.
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