After 15 months of war, Israel and Hamas have announced a pause in hostilities. In the best case, in which the six-week ceasefire becomes open-ended, it will bring a host of new challenges.

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.

Officials say U.S. and Arab mediators made significant progress overnight toward brokering a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war and the release of scores of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, but a deal