After Israel’s refusal to withdraw its security forces from the mosque compound, Hamas launches a sustained rocket barrage from Gaza into Israel. In retaliation, Israel responds with airstrikes on Gaza. This violent conflict persists for 11 days, resulting in the loss of a minimum of 250 lives in Gaza and 13 in Israel.

A relative of Israeli children held captive in Gaza pleaded with negotiators nearing a deal on a ceasefire. Yifat Zailer, cousin of Shiri Bibas—kidnapped with her husband and two sons, aged 5 and nearly 2—said her family is afraid to hope.

The first phase, spanning a 42-day ceasefire, would include the exchange of 33 Israeli hostages in Gaza for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons, U.S. officials said.

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

Mediators say Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire deal to pause the devastating 15-month war and flood humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.