Jerusalem, Oct. 9 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday praised the new agreement reached with Hamas for the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release and decided to convene his cabinet later in the day to approve the deal.
"A great day for Israel," Netanyahu said in a statement, adding that the agreement includes the release of "all" hostages still held in the enclave. Of the 48 hostages remaining in Gaza, Israel believes about 20 are still alive.
"With the approval of the first phase of the plan, all our hostages will be brought home. This is a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel," he said.
The cabinet is expected to meet later Thursday to vote on the deal, according ...