A statement from the Israeli security council, seen by the ABC, reveals the council has backed the approval of a Gaza ceasefire and hostages deal.
It marks the clearing of a major hurdle in turning the deal into reality, with only the full cabinet left to sign off on it.
Israeli negotiators and Palestinian militant group Hamas previously signed 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.
Follow the day's developments in our live blog.
[BLOG LINK]
