Israel and Hamas agreed to pause the devastating war in the Gaza Strip, mediators announced Wednesday, raising the possibility of winding down the deadliest and most destructive fighting between the bitter enemies.

Qatar’s prime minister on Wednesday announced a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, pausing the devastating 15-month war in Gaza and clearing the way for dozens of Israeli hostages to go home.

Qatar has handed over drafts of a possible ceasefire agreement to both Hamas and Israel, Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said on Tuesday, adding that this is the closest point to a deal over the past months.

The ceasefire between Hamas and Israel will go into effect in less than 24 hours, said Qatar’s foreign ministry on Saturday.

Under the first phase of the ceasefire, 33 hostages are set to be released over the next six weeks, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

The ceasefire between Hamas and Israel will go into effect in less than 24 hours, said Qatar's foreign ministry on Saturday.

The ceasefire agreement includes the release of hostages and a pause on the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.

Under the first phase of the ceasefire, 33 hostages are set to be released over the next six weeks, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

The Israeli Prime Minister's declaration comes as families of hostages held in Gaza brace for news of loved ones, while Palestinians prepare to receive detainees.

A ceasefire in Gaza will start on Sunday, enabling the release of 33 hostages by Hamas and hundreds of Palestinians by Israel. However, Israeli strikes continue ahead of the truce, which aims to end 15 months of conflict.

TEL AVIV, January 19. /TASS/. Israel will be ready to resume combat operations in the Gaza Strip by new means and will all its might, if need be, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised address.