The first phase of the deal is expected to begin on Sunday, with the exchange of several hostages being held in Gaza for a number of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

Israel’s 15-month campaign has depleted the group’s military strength, sapped its political influence and opened a void in leadership inside the Gaza Strip.

Former Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Oren joins Andrea Mitchell and considers the likelihood that Hamas will adhere to the ceasefire deal. He highlights the pattern of Hamas breaching previous agreements,

NEW ADMINISTRATIVE CAPITAL, Egypt — Egypt’s chief diplomat on Thursday called on Israel and Hamas to implement a Gaza ceasefire plan “without any delay,” raising pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept the deal.

This 42-day ceasefire aims to halt the 15-month conflict and facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas.

Watch our documentaries on the evolution and impact of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and the overarching Israeli-Palestinian conflict, its sprawling ramifications, and how the most recent chapter in this long and volatile history has played out.

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.

The deal is expected to begin Sunday, with the exchange of several hostages held in Gaza for a number of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

The negotiations that led to the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement took months and months. At the center of the talks representing the United States was Brett McGurk, the White House coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa.

Last minute negotiations between Hamas and Israel on a ceasefire deal delayed the release of hostages by a day.