Significant progress was made on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal once the administrations of Joe Biden and Donald Trump began working hand in hand to make the case for urgency, outgoing U.S.

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

The deal would open a pathway to end the 15-month and begin with an exchange of some of the hostages in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.