The Israel Defense Forces continues its intense airstrike and ground campaigns in Gaza with ceasefire talks ending with success in Qatar.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country retained the 'right to return to fighting if needed' in Gaza.

Long-awaited ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is due to begin at 630am GMT on Sunday – but hostages’ families and Palestinians all fear the deal could fall at the final hurdle

Envoy Steve Witkoff, carrying a message from Donald Trump, broke through the impasse in long-futile cease-fire talks.

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

Netanyahu said he will convene with his Security Cabinet on Friday and the Israeli government will then approve the agreement, AP reports.

Israel's prime minister has been accused of prioritizing his own political survival and the unity of his fractious right-wing Cabinet over bringing the hostages home.

The cease-fire-for-hostage deal is scheduled to go into effect at 8:30 a.m. local time Sunday, Qatari officials announced earlier Saturday.

Hamas is expected to release three hostages later on Sunday in exchange for scores of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military not to start the ceasefire in Gaza as he demanded the list of hostages to be freed, throwing the truce in limbo just an hour before it was to begin.

The Israeli prime minister issued the warning to Hamas barely an hour before Sunday’s ceasefire was due to begin.