Storyline: In a joint statement issued by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, the three mediators affirmed their role as guarantors of a Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal, saying they would help ensure that all three stages of the ceasefire will be fully implemented by both parties.

Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal to pause the devastating war in the Gaza Strip, the United States and Qatar said Wednesday, raising the possibility of winding down the deadliest and most destructive fighting between the bitter enemies.