Israel’s government approved a ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas, paving the way for the agreement to take effect Sunday and potentially signalling a new chapter in a bloody 15-month conflict that has enflamed the Middle East.

Israel and Hamas finalize a historic cease-fire and hostage deal set to begin Sunday. The agreement includes phased releases, intense negotiations and ongoing security concerns.

Follow NBC News' live coverage as Israel and Hamas reach an agreement on the ceasefire deal after Israel delayed vote.

Hamas remains the dominant Palestinian power in Gaza even after 15 months of Israeli bombardment, holding sway in displacement camps and refusing to surrender.

The Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement is expected to take effect as soon as Sunday. But the most significant diplomatic breakthrough in over a year of brutal war between Israel and Hamas is rife with risks,

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hamas of backing out of a cease-fire deal to release hostages and end the war in Gaza, which has raged for more than a year.

Israel's full cabinet now needs to vote on the deal. If it's approved, it would be expected to be implemented on Sunday.

This 42-day ceasefire aims to halt the 15-month conflict and facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas.

Netanyahu's office said Hamas had "reneged on parts of the agreement reached with the mediators and Israel in an effort to extort last-minute concessions."

Satellite images provide one way to get a sense of the devastating impact of the war on the Gaza Strip. Research released in the U.S. on Thursday estimates 59.8% of all buildings in the territory Gaza likely have been damaged in the war.

CAIRO (Reuters) - Hamas said on Friday that obstacles that arose in relation to the terms of the Gaza ceasefire agreement have been resolved, according to a statement issued by the group.