The post Israel and Hamas sign hostage-ceasefire deal in Doha after mediators iron out final kinks appeared first on The Times of Israel.

Last minute negotiations between Hamas and Israel on a ceasefire deal delayed the release of hostages by a day.

Israel delayed approval of a deal with Palestinian militant group Hamas for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and release of hostages, but the United States said it still expected the agreement to go into effect on Sunday as planned.

Israel intensified strikes on Gaza hours after a ceasefire and hostage release deal was announced, residents and authorities in the Palestinian enclave said, and mediators sought to quell fighting ahead of the truce's start on Sunday.

President Joe Biden and his top diplomats, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, had sought closure during his term.

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal, mediators announced Wednesday, pausing a devastating 15-month war in the Gaza Strip and raising the possibility of winding down the the deadliest and most destructive fighting between the bitter enemies.

The deal, not yet formally announced, outlines a six-week initial ceasefire phase and includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian detainees held by Israel.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken had said the U.S. wanted a ceasefire deal in Gaza and all remaining captives released before Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20.

Israel and Hamas have finally reached an agreement for a ceasefire and hostage exchange deal. The world has heaved a sigh of relief, in anticipation of the end to unspeakable brutality heaped on each side by the other.

DOHA, January 18. /TASS/. A ceasefire in the Gaza Strip will come into force at 8:30 a.m. local time (6:30 a.m. GMT) on January 19, Qatari Foreign Ministry Spokesman Majed bin Mohammed al-Ansari said.

Under the deal, approved by Israel’s government, 33 Israeli hostages will be exchanged for more than 730 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.