First Phase of Gaza Ceasefire to be Signed in Egypt Today

The first phase of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas in Gaza is to be signed on Thursday afternoon in Egypt, a source with knowledge of the agreement said.

A Hamas source said the militant group will exchange 20 living hostages for 2,000 Palestinian prisoners as part of the first phase of a deal to end the war in Gaza.

The militant group also called on US President Donald Trump to compel Israel to fully implement the agreement and “not allow it to evade or procrastinate in implementing what has been agreed”.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene his cabinet on Thursday to approve a plan for the release of hostages held in Gaza, according to official sources. (AFP)