The Israeli government today approved a ceasefire agreement signed with Hamas regarding Gaza and the release of hostages. On the same day, January 18, Israel is set to receive the names of the first three hostages to be freed,

Hamas is expected to release 33 hostages during the first phase of an emerging ceasefire agreement being finalized by negotiators in Doha, two Israeli officials said.

A ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas has been reached, NBC News reports, marking a pivotal breakthrough in the bloody 15-month war that has wreaked destruction and inflamed tensions across the region.