Israel's hardline National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said on Thursday he would resign from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government if it ratifies the ceasefire deal in Gaza, which he has strongly opposed.

The ceasefire as agreed to in Qatar is set to last 42 days. Over that period, 33 hostages are expected to be freed in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, there will be a slow withdrawal of the Israeli military from urban centers in Gaza and a surge of humanitarian aid.

"In the past year, through our political power, we succeeded in preventing this deal from moving forward, time and time again," he noted.

The ceasefire is expected to begin Sunday, though key questions remain, including the names of the 33 hostages to be released during the six-week first phase of the ceasefire and who among them is

It is not too late. We're about to attend a government meeting, and we have the authority to halt this transaction,' Ben-Gvir says in video statement following Security Cabinet approval of deal - Anad

The Israeli Prime Minister’s office confirmed that a deal has been agreed upon with Hamas to release the hostages held in Gaza. Follow for live news updates.

Israeli warplanes have kept up heavy attacks since the ceasefire deal was agreed. Medics in Gaza said an Israeli airstrike early on Saturday killed five people in a tent in the Mawasi area west of Khan Younis in the enclave’s south.

Reckless deal' will lead to 'the release of hundreds of murderous terrorists' and 'effectively erase the achievements of the war,' warns far-right leader The post Ben Gvir says party to quit government if cabinet approves hostage-ceasefire deal appeared first on The Times of Israel.

Gaza ceasefire agreement faces strong opposition from hardliners in Netanyahu's coalition, who said it was a capitulation to Hamas, which had controlled Gaza. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatened to resign if it was approved.