What began as a battle between Israel and Hamas morphed into a much wider regional conflict that has reshaped much of the Middle East.

Negotiators from Israel and Hamas have agreed to a 42-day cease-fire and hostage release in Gaza, President Biden and other leaders announced on Wednesday, raising hopes that a 15-month war that killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and destroyed much of the enclave could soon come to an end.

A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has hit a last-minute snag, with both sides at odds over the Philadelphia axis, a piece of land separating the Gaza Strip and Egypt, according to an Israeli source with direct knowledge of the negotiations.

Mediators say Israel and Hamas have agreed to a pause in fighting in Gaza and to begin releasing the hostages held there