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.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country’s security cabinet would meet to approve the deal on Friday.

If everything goes according to plan, Israel and Hamas will enter a ceasefire on Sunday or Monday at the latest, with the first three hostages set to be released.

Storyline: A ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas has sparked celebrations on Gaza's streets, but concerns remain over the implementation of the deal. Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire deal after intensive mediation efforts by Qatar,