The deal is set to pause fighting in Gaza for six weeks, and lead to the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

An agreement offers Gazans at least some respite from the war, and for Israelis it means the release of hostages. But the deal’s ambiguity means fighting could resume within weeks.

Negotiators said a deal between Israel and Hamas was closer than ever even as Israeli airstrikes on Gaza continued, killing at least 13.

Months of tedious talks over a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza – negotiations that required officials from an outgoing and incoming presidential administration to put aside their fundamental differences – culminated in an intense late-night push for an agreement that finally came to fruition on Wednesday.

Not long after news broke about a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas following a 15-month war in Gaza, Israel's prime minister said a deal has not been reached.

Israel hasn’t yet commented. The agreement still needs to be approved by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Cabinet.

WASHINGTON — More than 15 months into Israel’s devastating war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the two sides have agreed to a cease-fire deal that would pause fighting and free some Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners, according to U.S. officials Wednesday.

While President Joe Biden said it was a joint effort with incoming President Donald Trump in the cease-fire talks, while Trump took credit for an "EPIC" cease-fire.

The deal, mediated by the United States, offered a glimmer of hope in a conflict that has taken an immense human toll.