Israel’s cabinet approved a deal with Hamas for a ceasefire and release of hostages in the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has said, a day ahead of the agreement’s scheduled start, Reuters reports.

Earlier today, after meeting for more than six hours, the government ratified the agreement that could pave the way for an end to the 15-month-old Israel’s offensive in the Palestinian enclave, which Hamas governs.

“The government has approved the framework for the return of the hostages. The framework for the hostages’ release will come into effect on Sunday,” Netanyahu’s office said in a brief statement.

Under the deal, the three-stage ceasefire starts with an initial six-week phase when hostages held by Hamas will be exchanged for prisoners detained by Israel.