this royals military operation of course prompted by the hamas terror attacks back in october, that killed around 1200 israelis in foreign nationals. it could take some time before we know how successful this pause in fighting will be. qatar s foreign ministry spokesperson says that the aim is for a lasting truce that would extend beyond four days, and lead to negotiations to end the violence. the israeli government said earlier this week, an extra day could be added to the pause in fighting for every ten additional hostages released. meanwhile, the israeli military kept up the bombardment of gaza in the hours leading up to the truce. cnn crews witnessed explosions across the border, from their vantage point in southern israel. and israeli defense minister said the military campaign could go forcefully for at least two months more after this pause. i asked qatar s foreign ministry spokesperson of course qatar has mediated these talks, at this negotiation. i asked what
we re monitoring breaking news right now. the full israeli cabinet is meeting behind closed doors, going over a deal that could bring home dozens of hostages taken by hamas. the well-being of those hostages hanging on this decision. it comes after prime minister benjamin netanyahu met earlier today with key officials about the negotiations. the deal would end the torment of so many of these hostages and their families who have been demanding their safe return for more than a month now. let s get the latest from alex. how soon could a deal be announced? that could be quite soon. we believe the ball is in israel s court, they re going through their legal and political process to approve the deal. that on the hamas side of things, it s been approved. an expectation once all is said and done is that israel would announce they agreed to the deal but also announced by qatar, and they have been the key mediator on this because they have a direct conversation, direct line into
bad? bret: mama bears you have got look out for. judge jeanine: the girl bears are bad. i got it. thanks, bret. bret: they are protective. good evening. i m bret baier. we will take you on board an israeli naval ship behind the scenes look at the hamas war from the water. members of the squad, mean time, are begging for help as their anti-israel views inspire primary challenges in their home districts. and our whatever happened to segment deals with the transportation revolution, stuck in neutral. but, first, with a little less than two months until the iowa caucuses, that state is the center of the presidential campaign universe this weekend. several republican candidates democrats are participating in a forum tonight organized by a christian group. former president donald trump is not taking part but he will be in iowa tomorrow for a rally. correspondent mark meredith starts us off tonight live from des moines with the latest. good evening, mark. bret, good even