LONDON, October 9. /TASS/. A ceasefire in the Gaza Strip will take effect only after the Israeli government ratifies the relevant agreement with the Hamas movement, Reuters reported, citing a source in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.

The Times of Israel newspaper reported, citing a cabinet statement, that the government meeting was scheduled for 3:00 p.m. GMT. The security cabinet was expected to meet at 2:00 p.m. GMT.

Meanwhile, Egypt’s Al-Qahira Al-Ihbariya TV channel and Israel’s Ynet news website reported earlier that the ceasefire had taken effect at 9:00 a.m. GMT.

Earlier, Reuters reported, citing sources, that the Israeli authorities expect all 20 remaining living hostages to be released on Sunday or Monday.

On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement on the first phase of a peace plan following talks in Egypt. According to him, all hostages are expected to be liberated soon, while Israeli troops will be withdrawn to "an agreed upon line".

On September 29, the White House unveiled the US president’s comprehensive plan to resolve the Gaza conflict. The proposal includes temporary external administration of the enclave and the deployment of international stabilization forces. Israel accepted the plan. Hamas expressed readiness to release all Israeli hostages held in Gaza and hand over the bodies of the deceased.