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

Demonstrators in Tel Aviv calling for the release of the hostages embraced as news of the agreement spread, while thousands across Gaza celebrated the reported deal. During the initial 42-day ceasefire,

Hostage Square in Tel Aviv as Israelis await official ceasefire announcement Live view from the Hostage Square in Tel Aviv as Israelis wait for the official announcement of the ceasefire with Hamas. Hours after the United States and Qatar announced the deal,

U.S., Qatari and Egyptian mediators shuttled between the Israeli and Hamas delegations in Doha on Tuesday, where officials said a deal to halt the war is near.

Israeli negotiators attending ceasefire and hostage release talks in Doha have expressed “cautious optimism,” even as some gaps between both sides persist, a source familiar with the matter told CNN.

Officials say Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of dozens of hostages.

Hundreds of people gathered on Saturday evening to call for the release of captives held in the Gaza Strip. As indirect talks between Israel and Hamas began in Qatar, the imminent arrival of Donald Trump in the White House and the release of a hostage video revived hopes.

Hamas and Israel reached a hostage and ceasefire deal, ending the conflict that started in October 2023. People in Tel Aviv, Gaza, and Lebanon celebrated the announcement.

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.

Thousands of residents in Gaza and Tel Aviv are celebrating in the streets following the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, according to reports from AFP and the Associated Press. The agreement has been confirmed by Hamas and representatives from Qatar,

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is sending the director of the Mossad foreign intelligence agency to ceasefire negotiations in Qatar in a sign of progress in talks on the war in Gaza.