Afghanistan and Pakistan say they will respect a ceasefire mediated by Qatar and Turkey. The truce comes into effect immediately and is intended to pause hostilities.

A ceasefire in Gaza is raising hopes among many in Israel that the country can begin to repair its image abroad, after months of deepening isolation due to the toll of the two-year conflict. Public opinion in the West has shifted significantly since the war erupted following Islamist group Hamas' October 7,

Hamas ceasefire draws mixed reactions from Hollywood activists, with some staying silent while others question the peace agreement's terms.

After Hamas handed over two dead Israeli hostages overnight, Israel returns 30 dead Palestinians - a ratio agreed in the first phase of the peace deal.

So far the Gaza ceasefire is holding, but calls are getting louder for Hamas to hand over more hostages' remains, and for Israel to allow in more aid.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders were hesitant about crediting President Donald Trump for the ceasefire during a CNN town hall on Wednesday.

When President Donald Trump flies home from the Middle East on Monday, the region fading from view out his windows will undoubtedly be a changed one: the hostages who suffered underground in Gaza the last two years are free,