Follow NBC News' live coverage as Israel and Hamas agree to a ceasefire deal to halt the Gaza war and release hostages, while Biden and Trump react.

"I welcome the announcement of a deal to secure a cease-fire and hostage release in Gaza," Guterres told reporters at UN headquarters in New York, commending Egypt, Qatar and the US for their diplomatic efforts toward reaching a deal.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised the mediation efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, while former US President Barack Obama called the agreement a positive step. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also welcomed the deal,

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier accused Hamas of “reneging” on parts of the deal, under which Israel would withdraw from some areas of Gaza and obtain the return of hostages.

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 Israeli hostages released on January 19, 2025, from Gaza were reunited with their families, on the first day of a long-awaited truce aimed at ending more than 15 months of war that has ravaged the Palestinian territory.

This will pause the fighting after 15 months of war and see the release of dozens of hostages held by the militants in the Gaza Strip and hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country was treating the ceasefire as temporary and retained the right to continue fighting if necessary.

UN chief Antonio Guterres has welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, describing the deal as a “critical first step” and urging parties to “seize this opportunity” to establish a credible political path to a better future for Palestinians,

Follow NBC News' live coverage as Israel and Hamas agree to a ceasefire deal to halt the Gaza war and release hostages, while Biden and Trump react.

The first phase of the ceasefire, set to last 42 days, will see the exchange of 33 hostages for 737 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire are scheduled to begin after two weeks,