Months of tedious talks over a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza – negotiations that required officials from an outgoing and incoming presidential administration to put aside their fundamental differences – culminated in an intense late-night push for an agreement that finally came to fruition on Wednesday.

A ceasefire deal has been reached between Israel and Hamas, more than 15 months into the conflict. The agreement, which was brokered by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, is currently being finalized,

They applaud the potential freeing of loved ones after 15 months of captivity in Gaza but remain anxious that gradual releases could leave some in Hamas hands.