A declaration on the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip is expected soon. Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar has approved the ceasefire agreement, The Times of Israel reports. Officials in Jerusalem have informed Israeli media that the agreement between Israel and Hamas on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip is likely to be signed this evening.

Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal, mediators announced Wednesday, pausing a devastating 15-month war in the Gaza Strip and raising the possibility of winding down the the deadliest and most destructive fighting between the bitter enemies.

The Biden administration is calling for a final push before the president leaves office, with many seeing the Trump inauguration as an unofficial deadline.