Months of tedious talks over a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza – negotiations that required officials from an outgoing and incoming presidential administration to put aside their fundamental differences – culminated in an intense late-night push for an agreement that finally came to fruition on Wednesday.

Israel’s security cabinet has recommended that the government approve a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. The security cabinet met early Friday.