The announcement of an agreement to phase one of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas has brought great joy to many people in Israel and Gaza.

The two parties signed the deal in Egypt and Israel's cabinet is expected to ratify it in a meeting Thursday evening local time.

Once the ceasefire gets underway the Israeli military would withdraw outside of major cities in Gaza to allow for hostages to be released on Monday or Tuesday.

In return, Hamas said 250 prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 prisoners from the Gaza Strip who were arrested after October 7 would be released, in addition to the release of all children and women.

Israel said high-profile political leader Marwan Barghouti , and the bodies of Hamas leaders Yahya and Mohammad Sinwar were not part of that exchange.

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