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.

The deal is set to pause fighting in Gaza for six weeks as well as lead to the release of 33 hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.