Storyline: Israel and Hamas have achieved a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal after intensive mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani announced Wednesday at a press briefing in Doha.

The United States and Qatar announced a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, pausing the devastating 15-month war in Gaza and clearing the way for dozens of Israeli hostages to go home.

Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal to pause the devastating war in the Gaza Strip, the United States and Qatar said Wednesday, raising the possibility of winding down the deadliest and most destructive fighting between the bitter enemies.