For many Israelis, the ceasefire offers a brief respite from relentless conflict. The return of hostages has provided closure for families and a temporary sense of relief. However, the broader objectives of dismantling Hamas and ensuring lasting security continue to elude Israel.

Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of more hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, mediator Qatar announced on Wednesday evening.

Qatar, Egypt and the U.S. have led a monthslong effort to try to achieve a halt in the fighting, with talks Tuesday in Doha, Qatar, focusing on the last details of a deal. Hamas said it was awaiting maps from Israel showing which parts of Gaza it would withdraw its troops from in the initial stages of the ceasefire.