Israel's security cabinet backs Gaza ceasefire deal which could see first hostages handed over and ceasefire begin on Sunday

Israel’s security Cabinet has today recommended approval of a ceasefire deal after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed an agreement had been reached that would pause the 15-month war with Hamas in Gaza and release dozens of hostages held by its militants. 

Mediators Qatar and the US announced the ceasefire on Wednesday, but the deal hung in limbo for more than a day as Netanyahu insisted there were last-minute snags he blamed on Hamas.

The militants, meanwhile, maintained they were…