Qatar and the United States announced Wednesday a ceasefire and hostage-release deal between Israel and Hamas, adding they hoped it would pave the way for a permanent end to the war in Gaza.After mediators earlier said a deal had been reached,

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.

Qatar’s prime minister on Wednesday 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.

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.

Israel and Hamas agree to a ceasefire and hostage deal to take effect on Jan. 19:: Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister of Qatar:::: Doha, Qatar"It gives us great pleasure in Qatar,

Israel and Hamas have reached a cease-fire deal that would bring about a much-needed pause in fighting in Gaza after 15 months of war and secure the release of 33 hostages held there, the governments of Qatar and the United States announced on Wednesday.

Here are the main elements of the ceasefire deal, according to the official briefed on the agreement: * A six-week initial ceasefire phase includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from central Gaza and the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza * The deal requires 600 truckloads of humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza every day of the ceasefire,

Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of dozens of hostages, two officials involved in the