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.

Israel and Hamas agreed to pause the devastating war in the Gaza Strip, mediators announced Wednesday, raising the possibility of winding down the deadliest and most destructive fighting between the bitter enemies.

The truce agreement between Israel and Hamas is set to go into effect on Sunday, according to mediators. It also includes the release of hostages who were held in Gaza during the 15 months of violence that ravaged the Palestinian enclave and stoked tensions in the Middle East.