Israelis and Gazans react to news of deal
Amir Levy / Getty Images
People react to the reports of a possible hostage release deal in Tel Aviv.
Bashar Taleb / AFP – Getty Images
People celebrate as news spreads of a possible ceasefire in Khan Yunis, Gaza.
Israel and Hamas reach deal on Gaza ceasefire and hostage release
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Andrea Mitchell, Keir Simmons, Raf Sanchez and David Hodari
A ceasefire deal has been reached to end 15 months of fighting in the Gaza Strip, Hamas and Israeli officials and a source briefed on the negotiations told NBC News on Wednesday.
The hard-won agreement will also free dozens of hostages held in Gaza, as well as Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, bringing the first real break in violence since a weeklong truce expired Dec. 1, 2023.
The new follows weeks of talks brokered by the United States, Qatar and Egypt, amid a brutal winter for civilians in Gaza, as well as dramatic developments across the Middle East that have dealt setbacks to Iran, an Israeli foe.
Israel and Hamas have not officially announced a deal, although senior Hamas official Basem Naim confirmed to NBC News the militant group had agreed to it. Another source with direct knowledge of the talks and an Israeli official briefed on the deal also confirmed the news.