Netanyahu's "fear of Trump is greater than his fear of his extreme right-wing coalition partners," Israeli expert told Newsweek.

A ceasefire in the Gaza Strip has taken effect following an almost three-hour delay after Hamas was late to name the three hostage it plans to release

Netanyahu's office said Thursday his Cabinet won't meet to approve the Gaza ceasefire deal until Hamas backs down from what it called a "last minute crisis."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the cease-fire would not begin until Hamas provides the names of the three hostages it was set to release later Sunday in exchange for scores of Palestinian prisoners.

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire deal, with a pause in fighting in Gaza and the phased release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners set to begin early Sunday. Follow for live updates.

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that a “last-minute crisis” with Hamas was holding up Israeli approval of a long-awaited ceasefire that would pause the fighting in the Gaza Strip and release dozens of hostages. Israeli airstrikes, meanwhile, killed at least 72 people in the war-ravaged territory.

The ceasefire deal was signed off by Israel’s government on Saturday morning - but attacks have continued on the Gaza Strip

Israel will not proceed with the ceasefire deal until Hamas provides a list of hostages to be released, Netanyahu said. IDF is prepared for the hostages' release and has set up complexes near the Gaza border.

The Israeli military says it “continues to attack” inside the Gaza Strip as a dispute with Hamas delayed the start of a planned ceasefire.

Israel said the ceasefire will not begin until Hamas supplies a list of the hostages held by Hamas who are slated to be returned to Israel on Sunday.

The first-stage ceasefire and hostage deal approved by Israel's cabinet on Saturday is a "complete victory for terrorism," Itamar Ben-Gvir said.