Global peacemakers are praying the Israel-Hamas ceasefire will hold "so we do not return to the daily horror."

Mediators say Israel and Hamas have agreed to a pause in fighting in Gaza and to begin releasing the hostages held there.

Officials representing Israel and Hamas said today that the two sides had agreed to a 42-day cease-fire that would coincide with the release of Israeli hostages who have been held captive in Gaza. The final details are still being worked out, but the tentative agreement raised hopes that there could soon be an end to the war.