Israel's Security Cabinet Recommends Ceasefire And Hostage Release Deal In Gaza, Full Approval Awaited

If all goes to plan, a total of 33 hostages taken by militants during Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel will be returned from Gaza during an initial 42-day truce.

Fighting in Gaza halted on Sunday as the ceasefire deal negotiated went into effect, ending the 15-month-long war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

The three-stage truce starts the exchange of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinians in Israeli prisons.

Pope Francis called Sunday for a ceasefire in Gaza to be "immediately respected", as he thanked mediators and urged a boost in humanitarian aid as well as the return of hostages.