Relatives of hostages held in Gaza hold a rally in a square in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Jan. 17, 2025. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office said in a statement on Friday that the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza is expected to begin on Sunday. (Gideon Markowicz/JINI via Xinhua)

JERUSALEM, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli Prime Minister's Office said in a statement on Friday that the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza is expected to begin on Sunday.

The statement noted that the release could take place according to the planned outline, subject to approval by the security cabinet and the government and the agreement with Hamas coming into effect.

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister's Office said in a separate statement that Netanyahu has been updated by the negotiating team that agreements have been reached on a deal for the release of the hostages. The prime minister has directed that the cabinet be convened on Friday.

Ahead of the cabinet discussion, a security-operational situation assessment was held for the implementation of the agreement, headed by Netanyahu, along with the Israeli negotiating team.

Netanyahu has also directed the Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing Gal Hirsch to coordinate the preparations to receive the hostages upon their return to Israel. ■

Relatives of hostages held in Gaza hold a rally in a square in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Jan. 17, 2025. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office said in a statement on Friday that the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza is expected to begin on Sunday. (Gideon Markowicz/JINI via Xinhua)

Relatives of hostages held in Gaza hold a rally in a square in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Jan. 17, 2025. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office said in a statement on Friday that the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza is expected to begin on Sunday. (Gideon Markowicz/JINI via Xinhua)