The deal, mediated by the United States, offered a glimmer of hope in a conflict that has taken an immense human toll.

Israel and Hamas have agreed a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal following meetings with Qatar's prime minister, a source briefed on the talks has told the BBC. There was no confirmation from the Israeli government or Hamas, but a Hamas official earlier told the BBC it had approved a draft from Qatari, US and Egyptian mediators.

Israel and Hamas agreed to free dozens of hostages and pause the war in Gaza that’s killed tens of thousands of people in the last 15 months and caused turmoil across the Middle East.A ceasefire will start Sunday — a day before Donald Trump succeeds Joe Biden as US president — and last six weeks,