The long-awaited ceasefire and hostage release deal between the Israeli government and Hamas will take effect on Sunday, potentially signaling a new chapter in a bloody 15-month conflict that has enflamed the Middle East.

The EU is prepared to redeploy a monitoring mission to the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt after a ceasefire deal to end Israel's war in the territory, the bloc's top diplomat said Friday.

Israel continues to strike Gaza after ceasefire deal was announced. The agreement, which involves the release of hostages held in Gaza, is set to halt a 15-month-old war between Israel and Gaza's rulers Hamas that has decimated the Strip.

The Israeli security cabinet finally on Friday voted to approve the hostage release-ceasefire deal with Hamas in Gaza. A statement by the prime minister’s office said the cabinet voted Friday afternoon with a recommendation that the government adopt it.