WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Americans held hostage by the terror group Hamas for the past 15 months could soon finally walk free.

Israel’s government is expected to give final approval Friday of a ceasefire deal with Hamas, which could start as soon as Sunday and signal the release of at least two American hostages. 

“The ceasefire marks a hopeful turning point for Israel, for the Palestinian people and particularly, for the families of the hostages who have waited so long in agony,” said U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).

The three-phase deal begins with a temporary pause in the fighting, the release of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, and a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

“For 15 months, they have suffered unimaginable destruction,” Schumer said. 

Schumer, the Senate’s top Democrat and the country’s highest-ranking Jewish official, celebrated the deal Friday on the Senate floor. The incoming Trump administration will oversee the other phases.

“We must make sure that the terrorists of Hamas can never again pose a threat to Israel or to the region,” Schumer said.

To start the second phase, Israel and Hamas have to agree to a permanent ceasefire, which will also release another round of hostages and prisoners.

“You may get a loose end,” said Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

On Thursday, Blinken recognized the complexities of the negotiations even after President Joe Biden announced the agreement Wednesday.

“We’re tying up that loose end as we speak,” Blinken said. 

Blinken didn’t get into specifics, but everything still came together Friday.

“This is a moment of tremendous relief for Israelis and Palestinians alike,” Blinken said. 

In the final phase, Hamas would release the bodies and remains of the hostages it murdered, and major reconstruction efforts in Gaza would start.