Benjamin Netanyahu has thanked both the outgoing U.S. President, Joe Biden, and the President-elect of that country, Donald Trump, for their help in achieving the ceasefire. The announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza has not stopped Israeli bombings in the area.

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.