Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said that the release of Israeli hostages held by the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas should end the war in the Gaza Strip, Agence France-Presse reported, quoted by BTA.

"We are on the verge of an immediate ceasefire, once the government's decision is approved and after Hamas commits to releasing all hostages within 72 hours. I think this can and should end this war," Saar said in an interview with the American television network Fox News.

Israel and Hamas signed an agreement today for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages held by the Palestinian movement in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.

This is the first phase of US President Donald Trump's plan to end the war in Gaza.