The Israeli Prime Minister's Office announced on Friday that the Israeli Security Cabinet has approved a ceasefire agreement with Gaza's ruling body, Hamas, and concurred on a plan for a large-scale prisoner exchange.

As preparations for implementation on Sunday are underway, the full government is anticipated to endorse the agreement without delay.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a statement following the Security Cabinet meeting, elucidating the decision: 'After thorough examination of all political, security, and humanitarian dimensions, and recognizing that the proposal forwards the goals of the ongoing conflict, the National Security Committee (Security Cabinet) has recommended that the government approve the proposed outline.'

Despite opposition from key ministers such as National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, known detractors of ending military actions in Gaza, the vote passed successfully.

Meanwhile, there are expectations for potentially extended discussions within the full government session, which could persist through Saturday.

The agreement, orchestrated through coordinated mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, was announced in Doha earlier this week.

The deal outlines a comprehensive series of steps starting Sunday, including a cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.

A crucial element of the accord involves the exchange of prisoners: in its initial phase, Hamas is to release 33 Israeli hostages, both living and deceased, from Gaza, in return for Israel's liberation of approximately 2,000 Palestinian detainees, including 300 serving life sentences.

Israeli media, citing official sources, reported the anticipated initiation of this process from Sunday afternoon, with the Justice Ministry having published a list of 95 Palestinian prisoners slated for release in the first group.

Notably, prominent Palestinian figure Khalida Jarrar, an influential member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and a legislator, is among those to be freed.

Families of the Israeli captives have received notification of the upcoming releases, with Israeli media circulating the list and photographs of these individuals.

'Israel Today' disclosed that the Israeli Defense Forces have organized three centers to receive the returnees.

Inside Israel, the hostage families demanded prompt action beyond the stated 16-day period, designated in the agreement for next-phase negotiations.

They've urged public demonstrations to pressure the government for swift facilitation of subsequent exchange stages.

Conversely, Hamas, through a statement from senior official Zahir Jabarin, confirmed the resolution of issues stemming from 'the occupation's non-compliance with the ceasefire terms.' Jabarin assured that release lists will be methodically published as part of the agreed stages.

Hamas also condemned the reported ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza, asserting that over 100 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire announcement.

Accusing Israel of deliberately perpetrating such actions to derail the accord, Hamas called on international mediators to hold Prime Minister Netanyahu's administration accountable to halt these operations.