Officials representing Israel and Hamas said today that the two sides had agreed to a 42-day cease-fire that would coincide with the release of Israeli hostages who have been held captive in Gaza. The final details are still being worked out, but the tentative agreement raised hopes that there could soon be an end to the war.

Pro-Palestinian activists said they had hope but would continue their work for Palestinians in Gaza, and pro-Israel groups welcomed the agreement to release hostages.