For all the military might Israel deployed in Gaza, it failed to remove Hamas from power, one of its central war aims. That could make a return to fighting more likely, but the results might be the same.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the deal, which includes the release of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, would go into effect on Sunday.

Thousands of Palestinians took to Gazas streets as a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began, pausing 15 months of devastating conflict. Some celebrated, while others mourned their losses or assessed the damage to

Mughrabi, Maayan Lubell and Emily Rose JERUSALEM/CAIRO (Reuters) -Palestinians headed for the rubble of their former homes in the Gaza Strip on Sunday and Israelis prepared to receive the first hostages still held by Hamas after a ceasefire deal took effect that could pave the way for an end to the 15-month-old war.

After the fighting paused, Hamas began to free some of its hostages, releasing 3, and Israel said it had released 90 Palestinian prisoners.

As the long-awaited ceasefire in Gaza begins, it is met with cautious hope. Families who have endured unspeakable suffering are daring to dream of a reprieve, yet they remain naturally skeptical. The delays and political wrangling leading up to this ceasefire reveal a troubling reality: This agreement,

Amid the rubble and ruins of Gaza lies hope as a fragile ceasefire between Hamas and Israel ignites a flicker of hope in Middle East, as families prepare to reunite and rebuild shattered lives.