Israeli hostages could be freed as soon as Saturday under a U.S.-brokered plan to end the Gaza war, while Israel’s military is expected to complete the initial phase of a partial withdrawal from the enclave within 24 hours of the deal’s finalisation, according to a source familiar with the agreement.

The signing of the agreement is expected to take place at noon Israel time (0900 GMT) on Thursday, said the source.

Israel’s security cabinet and government are due to hold meetings on the agreement at 5 p.m. Israel time (1400 GMT).

Israelis and Palestinians rejoiced after Trump announced that a ceasefire and hostage deal had been reached under the first phase of his plan to end the war in Gaza that has killed more than 67,000 people and reshaped the Middle East.

However, Israeli strikes

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