Israel and Hamas have just reached an agreement under which Israel will suspend military operations in Gaza for 42 days and release a number of Palestinian prisoners, some serving life sentences, in return for Hamas’s release of 33 Israeli hostages.

During the 42-day interim period, Israel and Hamas will continue negotiations toward reaching a final end to the war in Gaza. If a resolution is not agreed but negotiations are proceeding in good faith, Israel has said it will maintain the ceasefire. Any final status deal would see Hamas release all remaining Israeli hostages alongside the remains of dead hostages. In return, Israel will end all combat operations in Gaza. The interim deal will take effect on Sunday.