Only hours after a possible ceasefire deal was announced between Israel and Hamas, Khalil al Hayya, chairman of the terrorist organization, declared victory, contending that the mass murder of Israeli civilians on Oct. 7, 2023, would “forever be a source of pride for our people.”

Israel and Hamas have agreed a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal following meetings with Qatar's prime minister, a source briefed on the talks has told the BBC. There was no confirmation from the Israeli government or Hamas, but a Hamas official earlier told the BBC it had approved a draft from Qatari, US and Egyptian mediators.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Hamas of backing out of a cease-fire deal to release hostages and end the war in Gaza, which has raged for more than a year. An Israeli Cabinet vote on the cease-fire deal has been delayed indefinitely.