At least 70 killed in Gaza air strikes after news of ceasefire deal, say residents

Israeli air strikes killed at least 70 people in Gaza overnight on Jan. 16, residents and the authorities in the enclave said, hours after a ceasefire and hostage release deal was announced to bring an end to the war between Israel and Hamas.

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The complex ceasefire accord between Israel and militant group Hamas, which controls Gaza, emerged on Jan. 15 after months of mediation by Qatar, Egypt and the U.S., and 15 months of bloodshed that devastated the coastal territory and inflamed the Middle East.

The deal, scheduled to be implemented from Jan. 19, outlines a six-week initial ceasefire with the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, where tens of thousands have been killed.

Hostages taken by Hamas would be freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel.

Israel's acceptance of the deal will not be official until it is approved by the country's security Cabinet and government, and a vote was slated for Jan. 16, an Israeli official said.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hamas of making last-minute demands and going back on agreements.

"The Israeli Cabinet will not convene until the mediators notify Israel that Hamas has accepted all elements of the agreement," a statement from his office said.

It was unclear what impact the latest delay will have on the deal.

Hamas is committed to the ceasefire agreement, senior group official Izzat el-Reshiq said on Jan. 16.

Hardliners in Mr. Netanyahu's government were still hoping to stop the deal, though a majority of ministers were still expected to back it.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said his party would stay in the government only if Israel resumes the war full force until Hamas is defeated. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has also threatened to quit the government if the ceasefire is approved.

While people celebrated the pact in Gaza and Israel, the Israeli military conducted more attacks after the announcement, the civil emergency service and residents said.