Ratification comes after delay led to fears that deal would come unstuck. It now passes to full cabinet for signoff

• Middle East crisis – live updates

Israel’s security cabinet has ratified a ceasefire deal to exchange dozens of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinians in Israeli jails and pause the 15-month war for an initial six weeks.

The approval came after an unexpected delay which sparked fears that last-minute disagreements between Israel and Hamas could scuttle the agreement. Far-right members of the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government also threatened to derail months of work to end the conflict.