People walking amidst the destruction of houses and streets in Khan Yunis, located in the southern Gaza Strip. Photo: MOHAMED ZAANOUN / AFP
Negotiators reached a deal on Thursday for a ceasefire in the Gaza war between Israel and Hamas, an official briefed on the negotiations told Reuters, after 15 months of conflict that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and inflamed the Middle East.
It has been formally announced by the Qatari Prime Minister, who says the deal will come into force in three days' time, from January 19.
The deal includes 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, an official briefed on the negotiations told Reuters.
- Reuters.
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