Major airlines are planning to reinstate flights to the Middle East following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Over the last 15 months of conflict, several Western carriers pulled out of flights to Israel, Jordan and Lebanon as missile attacks closed skies over Iraq and Iran in unpredictable airspace.

Demonstrators in Tel Aviv calling for the release of the hostages embraced as news of the agreement spread, while thousands across Gaza celebrated the reported deal. During the initial 42-day ceasefire,

The deal, mediated by the United States, offered a glimmer of hope in a conflict that has taken an immense human toll.

Hostage Square in Tel Aviv as Israelis await official ceasefire announcement Live view from the Hostage Square in Tel Aviv as Israelis wait for the official announcement of the ceasefire with Hamas. Hours after the United States and Qatar announced the deal,

Israel's full cabinet now needs to vote on the deal. If it's approved, it would be expected to be implemented on Sunday.

U.S., Qatari and Egyptian mediators shuttled between the Israeli and Hamas delegations in Doha on Tuesday, where officials said a deal to halt the war is near.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is sending the director of the Mossad foreign intelligence agency to ceasefire negotiations in Qatar in a sign of progress in talks on the war in Gaza.

Hundreds of people gathered on Saturday evening to call for the release of captives held in the Gaza Strip. As indirect talks between Israel and Hamas began in Qatar, the imminent arrival of Donald Trump in the White House and the release of a hostage video revived hopes.

Officials say Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of dozens of hostages.