Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire deal to end 15 months of war, to begin on Sunday 19 January.

US President Joe Biden confirmed the deal, which involves a full and complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the release of all the hostages held by Hamas

Biden says the first phase will allow Palestinians to return home to their neighbourhoods and let more humanitarian assistance into the Gaza Strip

Hamas attacked southern Israel on 7 October 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 back to Gaza as hostages

The attack triggered a massive Israeli offensive on Gaza, during which more than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry

Israel says 94 hostages are still being held by Hamas, of whom 34 are presumed dead