Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said early Friday that its cabinet approved U.S. President Donald Trump's plan for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of all remaining hostages and of Palestinian prisoners.

The statement said the cabinet approved the "outline" of a deal to release the hostages, without mentioning other aspects of the plan that are more controversial. The hostage and prisoner releases are expected to begin Sunday or Monday.

Steve Witkoff, Trump's top negotiator on the Gaza conflict, said the U.S. military confirmed that Israeli soldiers have pulled back as part of the ceasefire agreement on Friday.

"The 72 hour period to release the hostages has begun," Witkoff wrote on social media at 7 a.m. ET.

In his cabinet meeting Thursday, Trump said t

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