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.

Israel and Hamas agree to a ceasefire and hostage deal to take effect on Jan. 19:: Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister of Qatar:::: Doha, Qatar"It gives us great pleasure in Qatar,

Israel and Hamas have reached a cease-fire deal that would bring about a much-needed pause in fighting in Gaza after 15 months of war and secure the release of 33 hostages held there, the governments of Qatar and the United States announced on Wednesday.