Joy over hostage deal

ISRAEL and Hamas have agreed to a pause in their devastating two-year war and the release of the remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners - a breakthrough greeted with joy and relief, but also caution.

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Uncertainty remains about aspects of the broader peace plan advanced by the administration of US President Donald Trump - such as whether and how Hamas will disarm and who will govern Gaza.

But the sides appeared closer than they have been in months to ending a war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, reduced much of Gaza to rubble, brought famine to parts of the territory, and left dozens of hostages, living and dead, in Gaza.

The war, which began with Hamas's deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has also triggered other conflicts in the region, sparked worldwide protests and led to allegations of genocide that Israel denies.