After months of deadlock, Israel and Hamas have reached a deal for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement. I spoke with USA TODAY World Affairs correspondent, Kim Hjelmgaard to learn more. Kim, thank you so much for making some time on this.

Israel’s government is expected to give final approval Friday of a ceasefire deal with Hamas, which could start as soon as Sunday and signal the release of at least two American hostages.

Israel’s cabinet approved an agreement on a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip that would free Israeli hostages, ending two days of debate that had underscored the pact’s fragility. The full cabinet endorsed the deal hours after the security cabinet had approved it.

Israel’s security cabinet has recommended that the government approve a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. The security cabinet met early Friday.

The deal is expected to begin Sunday, with the exchange of several hostages held in Gaza for a number of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country’s security cabinet would meet to approve the deal on Friday.