During the first phase of the truce, meant to last six weeks, Hamas will free 33 of the 98 Israeli hostages still in Gaza, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Further talks will be held to finalise the next stage of Israel’s withdrawal and the release of the remaining hostages.

After months of deadlock, Israel and Hamas have reached a deal for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement. I spoke with USA TODAY World Affairs correspondent, Kim Hjelmgaard to learn more. Kim, thank you so much for making some time on this.

Officials representing Israel and Hamas said today that the two sides had agreed to a 42-day cease-fire that would coincide with the release of Israeli hostages who have been held captive in Gaza. The final details are still being worked out, but the tentative agreement raised hopes that there could soon be an end to the war.

After 15 months of fighting Israel and Hamas have agreed to a cease-fire deal. The deal will begin with an exchange of hostages held in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, according to officials.

Former Howard Government Minister Peter McGauran says Donald Trump’s “intervention” into the Israel and Hamas war played a role in the official ceasefire deal.