What began as a battle between Israel and Hamas morphed into a much wider regional conflict that has reshaped much of the Middle East.

Negotiators from Israel and Hamas have agreed to a 42-day cease-fire and hostage release in Gaza, President Biden and other leaders announced on Wednesday, raising hopes that a 15-month war that killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and destroyed much of the enclave could soon come to an end.

Mediators say Israel and Hamas have agreed to pause the fighting in Gaza, starting on Sunday, after 15 months of war and to begin exchanging dozens of hostages held there for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.