The agreement, which would include the release of hostages, was met with cautious optimism. But Israel’s cabinet needed to ratify the deal, and the prime minister’s office said it was unlikely that a vote would come Thursday.

Israel and Hamas have agreed a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal following meetings with Qatar's prime minister, a source briefed on the talks has told the BBC. There was no confirmation from the Israeli government or Hamas, but a Hamas official earlier told the BBC it had approved a draft from Qatari, US and Egyptian mediators.