Israel and Hamas agreed to a deal to halt fighting in Gaza and exchange Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, an official briefed on the deal told Reuters on Wednesday, opening the way to a possible end to a devastating 15-month conflict.

After the fighting paused, Hamas began to free some of its hostages, releasing 3, and Israel said it had released 90 Palestinian prisoners.

As the long-awaited ceasefire in Gaza begins, it is met with cautious hope. Families who have endured unspeakable suffering are daring to dream of a reprieve, yet they remain naturally skeptical. The delays and political wrangling leading up to this ceasefire reveal a troubling reality: This agreement,

Amid the rubble and ruins of Gaza lies hope as a fragile ceasefire between Hamas and Israel ignites a flicker of hope in Middle East, as families prepare to reunite and rebuild shattered lives.