Israel's cabinet approved a deal with Palestinian militant group Hamas for a ceasefire and release of hostages in the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Saturday, a day ahead of the agreement's scheduled start.

Two UAE humanitarian aid convoys, carrying over 309.5 tonnes of essential supplies, have entered the Gaza Strip this week via Egypt's Rafah Border Crossing.Read More: How Can You Help the People in Gaza While Living in the UAE?

The United Nations says that it could take more than 350 years to rebuild if the blockade remains.

DOHA - A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip will take effect at 8.30am (2.30pm Singapore time) on Jan 19, said Qatar, which helped mediate the deal. Israel’s Cabinet voted on Jan 18 to approve the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, ending days of uncertainty about whether the deal would go into effect this weekend.

A visual guide to how much has changed in the Gaza Strip since Israel began its military response to Hamas's attacks on 7 October.

The ceasefire agreement — just the second achieved during the war — will go into effect Sunday, Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

The U.N. estimates that more than 50 million tons of debris now covers Gaza's streets and would take over 15 years to clear.

President Alexander Stubb said the deal "ensures that the aid reaches the people in Gaza, who are in desperate need of humanitarian relief".

Netanyahu's "fear of Trump is greater than his fear of his extreme right-wing coalition partners," Israeli expert told Newsweek.

Israeli strikes killed at least 86 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip since the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas on Wednesday, officials said.

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire deal, with a pause in fighting in Gaza and the phased release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners expected to begin Sunday. Follow for live updates.