The Latest Breaking News from Benjamin Netanyahu

A deal to pause the fighting in Gaza and exchange Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners would begin Friday morning, according to the foreign ministry in Qatar.

The deal between Israel and Hamas to free 50 hostages held by the Palestinian militant group should be "broadened" and the "humanitarian pause" it brings used to work towards a "lasting ceasefire", the French President Emmanuel Macron said after a meeting with foreign ministers from Arab and Muslim countries.

An Israeli official said the deal would not take effect before Friday. Hamas will release 50 hostages for 150 Palestinian prisoners. Israel said the truce would be extended by a day for every 10 additional hostages released.

Advocates pledge to continue to push for ceasefire as Biden welcomes captives deal that will see temporary pause to war.

Negotiations to free the hostages held by Hamas hardly ran smoothly

Increasing pressure from the US and from the families of Israeli hostages were vital in securing agreement for the four-day truce

Since Hamas fighters carried out the deadliest attack on Israel in decades, Israeli officials have vowed to crush the Palestinian militant group and its enigmatic leader in Gaza

At least 50 women and children captured by militants are expected to be gradually released over a four day period

The truce between Israel and Hamas is due to begin on Thursday morning