Israel and Hamas have finally reached a ceasefire deal after more than a year of devastating conflict in the Palestinian territory of Gaza. While negotiators in Qatar announced an agreement had been reached on Wednesday evening,

The U.S. has called for a revitalized Palestinian Authority to govern both the West Bank and Gaza ahead of eventual statehood, however the Israeli government opposes that plan.

After Israel’s refusal to withdraw its security forces from the mosque compound, Hamas launches a sustained rocket barrage from Gaza into Israel. In retaliation, Israel responds with airstrikes on Gaza. This violent conflict persists for 11 days, resulting in the loss of a minimum of 250 lives in Gaza and 13 in Israel.