By Andrew Mills, Nidal al-Mughrabi and James Mackenzie DOHA/CAIRO/JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel delayed approval of a deal with Palestinian militant group Hamas for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and release of hostages,

The Israeli Prime Minister’s office confirmed that a deal has been agreed upon with Hamas to release the hostages held in Gaza. Follow for live news updates.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken had said the U.S. wanted a ceasefire deal in Gaza and all remaining captives released before Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20.

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — 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 deadliest and most destructive fighting between the bitter enemies.

Israel is delaying the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza following Hamas's violation of a ceasefire agreement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Saturday night The decision came after Hamas released four female Israeli soldiers who had been held hostage for 477 days but failed to include a civilian hostage,

Israel prepares for Hamas’ release of 4 female IDF hostages after 477 days in Gaza * Tensions rise as Hamas stages propaganda displays ahead of the exchange * This is a developing story Israel is bracing for the imminent release of four Israeli hostages by Hamas,