Israel’s 15-month campaign has depleted the group’s military strength, sapped its political influence and opened a void in leadership inside the Gaza Strip.

Security experts analyzing the deal brokered between Israel and Hamas argue it was a 'bad deal' as it could pose security risks for Israel but one that needed to be done to return the hostages.

The government vote was delayed by wrangling between Israel and Hamas and by negotiations between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right political allies.

The Israeli government on Friday approved a cease-fire deal with Hamas that will see the release of all hostages held by the Palestinian group after more than seven hours of debate, local media reported.

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

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."

The Biden administration called for a final push before the president leaves office, with many seeing the Trump inauguration as an unofficial deadline.

The deal is expected to begin Sunday, with the exchange of several hostages held in Gaza for a number of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

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.

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

Lead U.S. Negotiator on the Israel-Hamas Hostage Deal Brett McGurk tells CNN’s Wolf Blitzer he formed a “very close partnership, even friendship” with President-elect Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff amid the ceasefire and hostage negotiations.