The deal, mediated by the United States, offered a glimmer of hope in a conflict that has taken an immense human toll.

A cease-fire deal, announced by U.S. and Qatari mediators, promises to end more than a year of conflict in Gaza Strip. Some Israeli hostages would be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners under the agreement.

Israel and Hamas agreed to free dozens of hostages and pause the war in Gaza that’s killed tens of thousands of people in the last 15 months and caused turmoil across the Middle East.A ceasefire will start Sunday — a day before Donald Trump succeeds Joe Biden as US president — and last six weeks,