Israel and Hamas agree to Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal

Hamas is expected to release 33 hostages during the first phase of an emerging ceasefire agreement being finalized by negotiators in Doha, the first positive sign in months that a truce in the Israel-Hamas war may be in sight. Follow for live news updates.

• BREAKING NEWS: Israel and Hamas agree to a deal that will pause fighting in Gaza and lead to the phased release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, sources said • Implementation is likely to start on Sunday. Hamas is expected to release 33 hostages during the first phase of an emerging deal. Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners are set to be released from Israeli jails at the same time. • The release of the hostages would be the first phase of the deal being finalized. Negotiations to reach the second phase – which is intended to end the war – would begin on the 16th day of the implementation of the deal. Here’s what we know about the potential deal. Hamas’ government media office in Gaza is telling residents of the enclave to not move until the official start of the ceasefire. US President-elect Donald Trump reacted to news of the deal on Wednesday, posting on Truth Social: “WE HAVE A DEAL FOR THE HOSTAGES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. THEY WILL BE RELEASED SHORTLY. THANK YOU!” The incoming president claimed credit for the deal, writing that it “could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies.”