Israel and Hamas on Thursday agreed a ceasefire deal to free the living hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

Here is what we know so far about the agreement that was reached in indirect talks in Egypt:

Hamas will release 20 living hostages in one go as part of the first phase of the deal, according to a source close to the Hamas negotiating team.

Israel will release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners: 250 among those serving life sentences, and 1,700 others detained since the start of the war, a top Hamas official within Hamas told AFP, also on condition of anonymity.

There has been no indication that Israel will disclose the names of those set for release.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the agreement to secure the release of hostages would only take effect after receiving cabinet approval.

"Contrary to Arab media reports, the 72-hour countdown will begin only after the agreement is approved in the cabinet meeting, which is expected in the evening hours," Netanyahu's office........

© International Business Times