Israel and Hamas agree to first phase of ceasefire

ISRAEL and Hamas have agreed to a pause in their devastating two-year war and the release of the remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners - a breakthrough greeted with joy and relief but also caution.

- SAMY MAGDY, MELANIE LIDMAN and WAFAA SHURAFA

Displaced Palestinians gather on the coastal road near Wadi Gaza in the central Gaza Strip yesterday during an attempt to return to Gaza City

Uncertainty remains about aspects of the broader peace plan advanced by the administration of US President Donald Trump - such as whether and how Hamas will disarm and who will govern Gaza.

But the sides yesterday appeared closer than they have been in months to ending a war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, reduced much of Gaza to rubble, brought famine to parts of the territory, and left dozens of hostages, living and dead, in Gaza.

The war, which began with Hamas's deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has also triggered other conflicts in the region, sparked worldwide protests and led to allegations of genocide that Israel denies.

Even with the agreement expected to be signed later in the day, Israeli strikes continued, with explosions seen yesterday in northern Gaza.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

An Israeli military official said Israel was continuing to hit targets that posed a threat to its troops as they reposition.

In the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, celebrations were relatively muted and often coloured by grief.

“I am happy and unhappy. We have lost a lot of people and lost loved ones, friends and family. We lost our homes,’ said Mohammad Al-Farra.