This 42-day ceasefire aims to halt the 15-month conflict and facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas.

Mediators say Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal to pause the devastating 15-month war in the Gaza Strip, raising the possibility of winding down the deadliest and most destructive fighting between the bitter enemies.

The deal is set to pause fighting in Gaza for six weeks as well as lead to the release of 33 hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.