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

People are celebrating in the streets as a ceasefire deal is reached - but they still have 72 hours to wait, writes Bel Trew from Tel Aviv

Families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza gathered on Wednesday in the Tel Aviv square where they have held rallies for more than a year, as news trickled out of the agreement struck with Hamas to halt the fighting in Gaza and bring the hostages home.

After months of deadlock, Israel and the militant group Hamas reached a fresh Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement.