A ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas would go into effect Sunday if implemented, bringing relief to a battered and hungry population in Gaza as well as to the captives taken from Israel and held in the enclave for more than 15 months.

The deal, not yet formally announced, outlines a six-week initial ceasefire phase and includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian detainees held by Israel.