People react in Tel Aviv's Hostage Square after news of a ceasefire deal in Gaza. Israel and Hamas agreed to release living hostages in a major step towards ending the devastating conflict.

Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a peace plan for Gaza , paving the way for a pause in the fighting and the release of the remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Palestinians greeted the news cautiously Thursday as a possible breakthrough in ending the devastating two-year-old war .

Uncertainty remains about some of the thornier aspects of the plan advanced by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump – such as whether and how Hamas will disarm, and who will govern Gaza. But the sides appear closer than they have been in months to ending a war that has kille

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