What’s happening:

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a temporary cease-fire set to begin Thursday at 10 a.m. local time, which includes the release of 50 Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

Why it matters:

The cease-fire, brokered by Qatar with the support of the United States and regional partners, marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The release of hostages and the halting of hostilities could provide a much-needed respite for the civilians affected by the 47-day war.

Details of the deal:

The cease-fire agreement involves the release of hostages in groups, starting at 10 a.m. local time on Thursday, with the process expected to span over four days. Israel, in exchange, will release 150 Palestinian prisoners. Additionally, Israel has agreed to halt surveillance flights and allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The bigger picture:

While the cease-fire is temporary, with an initial duration of four days, it could be extended depending on the release of additional hostages. Both Israel and Hamas have indicated that the conflict is not resolved, with Israel aiming to eliminate the threat from Hamas and secure the release of all hostages. Hamas reaffirms its commitment to defend Palestinians and pursue its goals for an independent state.

What’s next:

The situation remains tense, with the potential for the cease-fire to either open the door to more substantial negotiations or collapse should hostilities resume. The international community watches closely as these developments unfold.

This story was first published on foxnews.