Hostage families give update as Palestinians return home to ‘total destruction’ - Freed British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari is in high spirits, her mother said in her first statement since her releas

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 announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed Wednesday to a ceasefire and the release of hostages held in Gaza, adding he hoped the deal would pave the way for a permanent end to the fighting.