The Israeli Prime Minister has confirmed that an agreement has been reached to release the hostages, after months of negotiations.
In a statement issued overnight, his office said: "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been informed by the negotiating team that agreements have been reached on a deal to release the hostages."
"The Prime Minister has ordered the security cabinet to meet on Friday. The government will meet later to approve the agreement," the announcement said.
Israel's security cabinet is a smaller, internal group of ministers within the larger government cabinet.
The announcement distributed by Netanyahu's office also explains that the hostages' families have been updated and preparations have begun for the hostages to return to Israel.