As news of the breakthrough surfaced, stakeholders from politicians to families of hostages kidnapped at the start of the war breathed a sigh of relief that the long, violent and acrimonious

Secretary of State Antony Blinken had said the U.S. wanted a ceasefire deal in Gaza and all remaining captives released before Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20.

Three officials acknowledged progress has been made and said the coming days would be critical for ending more than 15 months of fighting that has destabilized the Middle East.