The UN Security Council (UNSC) convenes to discuss the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, in New York City on Friday, January 24.

Members are expected to address the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas announced earlier this week and touch on wider events across the region.

The ceasefire took effect on January 19, with Israel releasing 90 Palestinian prisoners after Hamas handed over three Israeli female hostages during phase one of the agreement. A second hostage-prisoners exchange will take place on Saturday.

The first phase of the 42-day plan reportedly includes the release of 33 Israeli hostages - women, children, the elderly, and wounded people - in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The second and third stages will include the return of bodies, IDF withdrawal from Gaza and reconstruction efforts in the enclave.