Israel intensified strikes on Gaza hours after a ceasefire and hostage release deal was announced, residents and authorities in the Palestinian enclave said, and mediators sought to quell fighting ahead of the truce's start on Sunday.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken had said the U.S. wanted a ceasefire deal in Gaza and all remaining captives released before Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20.

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal, mediators announced Wednesday, pausing a devastating 15-month war in the Gaza Strip and raising the possibility of winding down the the deadliest and most destructive fighting between the bitter enemies.

Biden officials involved in the effort acknowledged that President-elect Donald Trump’s threats and Trump envoy Steve Witkoff’s participation during the final week of negotiations played a major role in bringing across the finish line a deal they had struggled to reach for more than a year.

Israel is delaying the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza following Hamas's violation of a ceasefire agreement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Saturday night The decision came after Hamas released four female Israeli soldiers who had been held hostage for 477 days but failed to include a civilian hostage,

The Middle East team delivered editorially sharp, competitive, well-sourced, visually rich, and all-format reporting as the ceasefire deal was announced,

Israel prepares for Hamas’ release of 4 female IDF hostages after 477 days in Gaza * Tensions rise as Hamas stages propaganda displays ahead of the exchange * This is a developing story Israel is bracing for the imminent release of four Israeli hostages by Hamas,