David Barnea, the Mossad director, played a crucial role in determining when to show tactical flexibility to seal the deal with Hamas. While many remain unaware of the exact details of his actions.

Israel, Hamas, the US, and Qatar have officially signed the hostage deal and Gaza ceasefire in Doha, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Office confirmed on Friday morning. The deal will now be presented before the security cabinet for a vote, which will not occur until Saturday.

President Joe Biden and his top diplomats, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, had sought closure during his term.

Negotiators are on “the brink” of an agreement to end the fighting and free hostages, according to President Biden.

A ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas has been reached, NBC News reports, marking a pivotal breakthrough in the bloody 15-month war that has wreaked destruction and inflamed tensions across the region.

Hamas stood by its demand on Tuesday that Israel fully end its assault on Gaza under any deal to release hostages, and said U.S. President-elect Donald Trump was rash to say there would be "hell to pay" unless they go free by his Jan.

Israeli negotiators attending ceasefire and hostage release talks in Doha have expressed “cautious optimism,” even as some gaps between both sides persist, a source familiar with the matter told CNN.

Israel and Hamas are under pressure from outgoing US President Joe Biden and Trump to reach a deal before the January 20 inauguration.

PM's office says it will start Sunday; 2 Likud ministers join far-right in voting against it; security chiefs back it but say Hamas will try to rebuild

As Israel and Hamas reach a ceasefire after 15 months of brutal conflict, fears grow over the prisoner swap deal. Could it lead to the release of the next Hamas terror mastermind, like October 7 plotter Yahya Sinwar?

For many Israelis, the ceasefire offers a brief respite from relentless conflict. The return of hostages has provided closure for families and a temporary sense of relief. However, the broader objectives of dismantling Hamas and ensuring lasting security continue to elude Israel.