The Israeli government has approved a plan for the release of all hostages held in the Gaza Strip, which is intended as the first phase of a peaceful settlement of the conflict in this Palestinian enclave, informs the office of the Israeli prime minister.

The respective statement noted that the Israeli government has approved the agreement for the release of all hostages — including those who are not alive.

A day earlier, Khalil El-Hayya, a leader of the Palestinian Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip, had announced that under the ceasefire agreement, the Israeli authorities would release all Palestinian women and children.

The ceasefire in the Gaza Strip came into effect on Thursday. As part of the first phase of the agreements reached through the mediation of US President Donald Trump, all hostages from both sides will be released, and Israeli troops will be withdrawn to agreed positions.