Israel’s 15-month bombardment of Gaza has destroyed much of Hamas’s military wing. It has also degraded the Iran-backed proxy network that helps sustain the militant group.

Under the terms of the deal, Hamas will release 33 hostages over a period of 42 days, including women, children, the sick, and men over the age of 55. Three of these hostages will be released the first day, another four on the second day, then three at a time in each week, with the final 14 released on the final week.