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

The dispute underscores the fragility of the deal as mediators worked to ensure that it would go into effect on schedule.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday accused Hamas of reneging on parts of a ceasefire and hostage release agreement announced the day before. In a statement, Netanyahu said his

Israel intensified strikes on Gaza hours after a ceasefire and hostage release deal was announced, residents and authorities in the Palestinian enclave said, as mediators sought to quell fighting ahead of the truce's start on Sunday.

The deal will take place in three different phases, each of which will last for six weeks, according to U.S. and Qatari officials.

Israel bombarded Gaza with air strikes hours after a ceasefire and hostage release deal was announced, killing 32 people in an attack late on Wednesday. The strikes in Gaza City continued overnight into Thursday morning, destroying houses in Rafah in the south, Nuseirat in central Gaza, as well as in the north, residents said.

The deal, not yet formally announced, outlines a six-week initial ceasefire phase and includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian detainees held by Israel.

Hamas and Israel have reached a deal to bring a cease-fire to the Gaza Strip and release dozens of hostages, including some Americans, U.S. and Qatari officials announced Wednesday. The agreement — which they said includes a six-week pause in fighting starting Sunday — raises hopes that it could prove a permanent end to the 15-month long war that has killed tens of thousands of people,