The agreement, which must still be approved by the Israeli cabinet, incited joy in the Gaza Strip and Israel, even as some feared that it could fall apart.

The Israel government and Hamas have agreed to a deal that will pause fighting in Gaza and lead to the phased release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, a source briefed on the talks has told CNN.

Three-phased deal will start with the release of 33 hostages held by Hamas since Oct. 7, 2023. If fully implemented, the agreement will see the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Palestinian enclave.