Qatar’s air force on Wednesday began moving lifesaving medicine toward Israeli hostages in Gaza, a mission made possible by a rare diplomatic breakthrough, mediated by Qatar and France, in Israel’s war on Hamas. Critical aid is also to be delivered to civilians in the enclave as part of the deal. The Qatari Foreign Ministry said two air force planes had landed in the Egyptian city of Arish — some 30 miles from the Rafah crossing into Gaza — and later that aid was being delivered to Israeli hostages and Gazan civilians. An Israeli official, speaking on the condition of anonymity under terms set by the government, confirmed the deal was being executed.

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