After 15 months of a grueling war that has claimed tens of thousands of lives, Israel and Hamas agreed to phase one of a ceasefire deal on Wednesday. The agreement will create a pause in fighting that will allow critical aid to reach Gaza, and begin an exchange of hostages held in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

The government vote was delayed by wrangling between Israel and Hamas and by negotiations between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right political allies.