Israel's cabinet is due to meet on Thursday morning to approve the ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas in Gaza.
It comes after Qatari mediators confirmed that Palestinian and Israeli officials have agreed to a three-stage ceasefire agreement starting on Sunday, which will include the release of hostages on both sides.
The breakthrough has sparked scenes of jubilation in the Middle East, although there is caution about what comes next amid reports that Israel increased its attacks on the Gaza Strip following the deal.
The deal promises the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas in phases and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israel, and it will allow hundreds of thousands of people displaced in Gaza to return to what remains of their homes. It also would flood badly needed humanitarian aid into a territory ravaged by 15 months of war.
For the latest updates scroll down.
Key updates:
- Ceasefire deal confirmed
- Joe Biden hails end to war in Gaza as ceasefire deal announced
Israel cabinet meeting on ceasefire approval delayed
08:50 , Tamara DavisonReports from Israel reveal that the cabinet meeting scheduled for 11am local time has been delayed until at least this afternoon or this evening.
This comes amid claims negotiators are still ironing out the final details and tension between Israeli politicians.
“The Israeli cabinet will not convene until the mediators notify Israel that Hamas has accepted all elements of the agreement,” Netanyahu’s office claims.
Israel’s far-right Religious Zionism party is also deliberating on its position in the cabinet, amid reports they may resign in protest of the deal.
The cabinet is unlikely to convene until the party confirms its position.
Ceasefire welcomed by nations around the world
08:40 , Tamara DavisonNews of a ceasefire has been welcomed by countries worldwide, with many now looking ahead as to how peace can be maintained.
UK: On Wednesday night, Sir Keir Starmer called for a two-state solution.
“Our attention must turn to how we secure a permanently better future for the Israeli and Palestinian people – grounded in a two-state solution that will guarantee security and stability for Israel, alongside a sovereign and viable Palestine state,” he wrote.
Indonesia: Officials in Indonesia are calling for the creation of an independent Palestinian state.
“Peace in Palestine cannot be achieved without the end of Israel’s occupation and the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state, in accordance with the two-state solution based on agreed international parameters,” said Indonesia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry.
Brazil: President urges peace and stability across the Middle East.
“After so much suffering and destruction, the news that a ceasefire in Gaza has finally been negotiated brings hope. May the cessation of fighting and the release of hostages help build a lasting solution that brings peace and stability to the entire Middle East.
Ireland: Taoiseach Simon Harris called for lasting peace
He said: “The brutal war we have witnessed has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians, including more than 17,000 innocent and vulnerable children.
“More than 100,000 have been physically injured or maimed, many of them losing limbs or suffering other life-altering injuries.
“Hostages have been held in captivity for more than 465 days, away from their families and loved ones.
“They too have endured the most horrific suffering and distress.
“I hope that all sides will seize this opportunity, fully honouring their commitments, allowing hostages to return to their families and the people of Gaza to begin rebuilding their lives and I hope that it will lead to a permanent arrangement.”
Palestinians will never forget Israel's "barbaric war of extermination," says Hamas negotiator
08:30 , Tamara DavisonDespite scenes of jubilation in Gaza and the West Bank, Khalil al-Hayya, a Palestinian politician and Hamas member, said his nation will never forget.
At least 46,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since October 2023.
Reuters reported that more than half of the victims identified were women, children or elderly people.
“The barbaric war of extermination … that the Israeli occupation and its backers have carried out over 467 days will forever be engraved in the memory of our people and the world as the worst genocide in modern history,” he told Al Jazeera.
Incoming president Donald Trump takes credit for ceasefire
08:15 , Tamara Davison
Donald Trump has also attempted to take credit for the ceasefire.
Taking to Truth Social, the incoming Republican president said:
“This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies.”
US politicians herald ceasefire but at odds about who takes credit
07:53 , Tamara DavisonPresident Joe Biden has welcomed news of a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel and praised his administration for making it happen.
On Wednesday night, the outgoing US leader said that the ceasefire was “developed and negotiated by my team and will be largely implemented by the incoming administration.”
However, it hasn’t gone unnoticed that the ceasefire comes just days before Donald Trump resumes office.
When a reporter bluntly asked Biden: “Who do you think deserves credit for this, Mr President: you or [Donald] Trump?”
Mr Biden replied: “Is that a joke?”
Public opinion of Mr Biden’s efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East over the last 15 months remains divided.
Many Democrats said the administration’s response to the onslaught in Gaza impacted the way they voted in the 2024 election, which Kamala Harris lost.
On four occasions, the US had blocked the United Nations Security Council from demanding a ceasefire.
Israel intensifies attacks on Gaza Strip ahead of ceasefire
07:41 , Tamara DavisonReports from the Gaza Strip reveal that Israel intensified its attacks on the besieged region in the hours after the ceasefire was agreed.
Gaza’s Civil Defense reported that at least 12 people were killed in an air strike that hit a residential building in the hours after the ceasefire deal was announced.
Many civilians in the Gaza Strip remain concerned for the remaining 72 hours before the ceasefire is due to come into effect.
Israel's security cabinet poised to meet on Thursday to approve deal
07:28 , Tamara DavisonLocal reports say Israel’s security cabinet is expected to meet at around 11am local time on Thursday to approve the deal.
The majority of Israeli ministers are expected to agree to the terms outlined in the ceasefire agreement.
However, there has been some pushback from Israeli politicians, including far-right minister Ben-Gvir.
Earlier this week, the minister threatened to quit the cabinet if Netanyahu agreed to the current ceasefire terms.
Hamas-Israel ceasefire LIVE UPDATES
07:20 , Tamara DavisonGood morning, we’re now resuming our coverage of the ceasefire deal that was announced between Israel and Hamas on Wednesday.
The news has been welcomed by leaders around the world, amid hopes the agreement could secure peace in the region after a brutal 15 month conflict.
Coverage ends
Wednesday 15 January 2025 21:22 , Matt WattsThat ends our coverage of today’s announcement of a ceasefire deal in the Gaza conflict. Thanks for joining us.
Scenes of celebration in Tel Aviv
Wednesday 15 January 2025 20:33Crowds have been celebrating the news of the ceasefire deal in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv.
The Hostage Families Forum, which represents many relatives of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, welcomed "with overwhelming joy and relief" the agreement between Israel and Hamas.
"We have been anxiously awaiting this moment, and now, after 460 days of our family members being held in Hamas tunnels, we are closer than ever to reuniting with our loved ones," the group said in a statement shortly after the agreement was announced.
The group thanked both the outgoing and incoming US administrations and the international mediators for facilitating the deal.
Here are scenes from celebrations in Tel Aviv.
Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal 'long-overdue' says Starmer
Wednesday 15 January 2025 20:18 , Matt WattsSir Keir Starmer has welcomed the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal as "long-overdue news" and paid tribute to British citizens who were killed during the conflict in the Middle East.
The UK Prime Minister said Britain would join its allies in continuing work to "break the cycle of violence and secure long-term peace" for Israelis and Palestinians, which he said would be grounded in a two-state solution.
He paid tribute to "those who won't make it home - including the British people who were murdered by Hamas.”
In a statement on Wednesday evening, the Prime Minister said: "After months of devastating bloodshed and countless lives lost, this is the long-overdue news that the Israeli and Palestinian people have desperately been waiting for.
"They have borne the brunt of this conflict - triggered by the brutal terrorists of Hamas, who committed the deadliest massacre of Jewish people since the Holocaust on October 7 2023.
"The hostages, who were brutally ripped from their homes on that day and held captive in unimaginable conditions ever since, can now finally return to their families. But we should also use this moment to pay tribute to those who won't make it home - including the British people who were murdered by Hamas. We will continue to mourn and remember them.
"For the innocent Palestinians whose homes turned into a warzone overnight and the many who have lost their lives, this ceasefire must allow for a huge surge in humanitarian aid, which is so desperately needed to end the suffering in Gaza.
"And then our attention must turn to how we secure a permanently better future for the Israeli and Palestinian people - grounded in a two-state solution that will guarantee security and stability for Israel, alongside a sovereign and viable Palestine state.
"The UK and its allies will continue to be at the forefront of these crucial efforts to break the cycle of violence and secure long-term peace in the Middle East."
Palestinians and hostage families celebrate deal
Wednesday 15 January 2025 19:49 , Josh SalisburyBoth Palestinains and relatives of hostages held in Gaza have begun celebrating news of a ceasefire deal.
Under the deal, Israeli forces will partially withdraw from the Gaza Strip while Hamas will release some hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
The first phase of the deal is set to take place on Sunday.
“This deal will halt the fighting in Gaza, surge much needed-humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, and reunite the hostages with their families after more than 15 months in captivity,” US President Joe Biden said in Washington.
Palestinians celebrated in streets of Gaza - where they have faced an acute humanitarian crisis with severe shortages of food, water and fuel.
"I am happy, yes, I am crying, but those are tears of joy," said Ghada, a displaced mother of five.
Families of Israeli hostages and their friends also rejoiced at news of the deal in Tel Aviv.
"We, the families of 98 hostages, welcome with overwhelming joy and relief the agreement to bring our loved ones home," the hostage families' group said in a statement.
Biden: Me and Trump 'one team' on Israel ceasefire deal
Wednesday 15 January 2025 19:26 , Josh SalisburyUS president Biden has said his administration and Donald Trump were “one team” ahead of Trump’s inauguration on January 20.
Responding to questions at a press conference on the Israeli-Gaza ceasefire, Mr Biden insisted he and his Republican successor were “one team" on the deal.
Trump has so far reacted to the deal by saying he would use the ceasefire deal as momentum to expand the Abraham Accords - the US-backed agreement for several Arab countries to recognise ties with Israel.
Trump has repeatedly threatened there would be "hell to pay" if hostages were not released ahead of his inauguration, and said he was "thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home".
Biden: Deal assures hostage release
Wednesday 15 January 2025 19:17 , Josh SalisburyUS President Joe Biden said that Israel and Hamas’ deal will end the fighting in Gaza and increase humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians.
"I can announce a ceasefire and a hostage deal has been reached between Israel and Hamas," Mr Biden said at a press conference at the White House.
The deal was reached after 15 months of suffering, he said, and will be followed by a surge of humanitarian aid in Gaza.
"Fighting in Gaza will stop, and soon the hostages return home to their families," Mr Biden said.
In a separate statement, Mr Biden said: "Today, after many months of intensive diplomacy by the United States, along with Egypt and Qatar, Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire and hostage deal.
“This deal will halt the fighting in Gaza, surge much needed-humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, and reunite the hostages with their families after more than 15 months in captivity.”
Joe Biden hails 'permanent end to Gaza war'
Wednesday 15 January 2025 19:12US president Joe Biden has hailed the ceasefire deal as a potential “end to war” in Gaza.
Speaking at a press conference, Mr Biden said the first phase of the ceasefire deal, which will see the release of some hostages, and the removal of some Israeli forces, presented hope for an end “of war”.
Under the deal, Israeli forces will gradually withdraw from the Gaza Strip and Hamas will release hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Qatar confirms ceasefire deal
Wednesday 15 January 2025 18:59 , Josh SalisburyThe Qatari prime minister has said Israel and Hamas have agreed to the ceasefire deal to pause the Gaza war, which will also see the release of some hostages.
The Qatari prime minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said the first phase of the agreement will enter into effect on January 19.
The first phase, which is set to include a ceasefire and withdrawal of Israeli military forces from populated areas, will last 42 days, he told a press conference.
Humanitarian situation 'chaotic' amid reports of deal - UN
Wednesday 15 January 2025 18:48 , Josh SalisburyThe humanitarian situation in Gaza remains chaotic amid reports of a ceasefire deal, UN officials have said.
Top human rights officials at the UN have previously warned of catastrophe amid difficulties getting aid into Gaza amid the conflict.
"Security is not (the responsibility of) the humanitarians. And it's a very chaotic environment. The risk is that with a vacuum it gets even more chaotic," a senior UN official, told Reuters news agency.
"Short of any arrangement, it will be very difficult to surge deliveries in the short term."
The United Nations has long described its Gaza humanitarian operation as difficult, saying it has been hampered with problems caused by Israel's military operation, access restrictions by Israel into and throughout Gaza and more recently looting by armed gangs.
60 hostages presumed alive amid release deal
Wednesday 15 January 2025 18:39 , Josh SalisburyOnly around 60 of the hostages held in Gaza are presumed to be alive.
Around 94 of the 251 hostages taken on 7 October 2023 are thought to still be held in Gaza - 60 of whom are thought to be living and 34 dead, the BBC reported.
The estimate of the deceased hostages is based on announcements by the Israeli military.
The remaining number of living hostages - 60 - has not been confirmed as Hamas has not confirmed the number of living hostages which it holds.
Brit relative of victim: 'There will never be closure'
Wednesday 15 January 2025 18:25 , Josh SalisburyThe sister of two British citizens killed in the Israel-Hamas conflict has said "there will never be any closure" until all Israeli hostages are returned, following reports of a ceasefire.
Ayelet Svatitzky, 47, said the reports emerging on Wednesday were a "relief" after her brothers Roi and Nadav Popplewell both died and her mother Channah Peri was previously taken as a hostage.
Speaking from Israel, she said: "We've been praying for a deal to be signed, and every hostage [being] released is a relief for them, for the families and for us.
"Of course, it's too late for my brother, we will never be able to save them. We were able to bring him for burial, and so we know how crucial it is for for a deal to be complete and for all hostages to be brought back, for the live hostages to be released to their families and to start the healing and rehabilitating."
Asked if the reported ceasefire would bring her family closure, Ms Svatitzky said: "There will never be any closure for us until all the hostages are back.
"We'll be worried and we're not able to move on until the last hostage is home.”
Netanyahu: Deal not yet reached
Wednesday 15 January 2025 18:15Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the deal has not yet been reached amid wrangling over the final details.
Mr Netanyahu’s office said in a statement the deal was not yet finalised, even as crowds of Palestinians took to the streets in the southern Gazan city of Khan Younis, which has been decimated by the war.
The deal, if finalised, would bring an end to the fighting between Israel and Hamas, sparked by Hamas’ terror attack on October 7, 2023, in which the group killed around 1,200 people and abducted around 250.
A third of the 100 hostages still held in Gaza are believed to be dead.
Israel’s counter-offensive has killed more than 46,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to health authorities there.
Incoming US president Trump reacts to Hamas-Israel deal
Wednesday 15 January 2025 18:08 , Josh SalisburyDonald Trump has said he would use the Gaza ceasefire deal as momentum to expand the Abraham Accords - the US-backed agreements for Arab countries to normalise relations with Israel.
Trump, who repeatedly threatened there would be "hell to pay" if hostages were not released ahead of his January 20 inauguration, said he was "thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home".
He wrote on his Truth Social platform: "With this deal in place, my National Security team, through the efforts of Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, will continue to work closely with Israel and our Allies to make sure Gaza NEVER again becomes a terrorist safe haven.”
Main details of deal - reports
Wednesday 15 January 2025 17:53 , Josh SalisburyHere are the main details of the deal, according to reports. The deal has not yet been officially confirmed:
- A six-week initial ceasefire phase which requires the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from central Gaza and the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza
- 600 truckloads of humanitarian aid will be allowed into Gaza every day of the ceasefire, 50 of them carrying fuel, with 300 of the trucks allocated to north.
- Hamas will be required to release 33 Israeli hostages, including all women (soldiers and civilians), children, and men over 50.
Hamas will release female hostages and under 19s first, followed by men over 50
- Israel will release 30 Palestinian detainees for every civilian hostage and 50 Palestinian detainees for every Israeli female soldier Hamas releases
- Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained since October 7, 2023 by end of the first phase of the deal.
The total number of Palestinians released will depend on hostages released, and could be between 990 and 1,650 Palestinian detainees including men, women and children.
Deal 'includes release of hostages'
Wednesday 15 January 2025 17:46 , Josh SalisburyThe deal allegedly includes the release of 33 Israeli hostages including all women, children and men over 50, according to reports.
Negotiations on implementing the second phase will begin by the 16th day of phase one and it is expected to include the release of all remaining hostages, a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, news agencies reported.
The third phase is expected to address the return of all remaining dead bodies and the start of Gaza's reconstruction supervised by Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations.
The agreement follows months of on-off negotiations conducted by Egyptian and Qatari mediators, with the backing of the United States, and comes just ahead of the January 20 inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump.
Hamas, Gaza's dominant Palestinian militant group, told news agency Reuters its delegation had handed mediators its approval for the ceasefire agreement and return of hostages.
Deal reached to end 15 months of fighting, according to reports
Wednesday 15 January 2025 17:37 , Matt WattsIsrael and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire deal, according to reports, with the 15-month war in the Gaza Strip set to be paused.
The deal, coming after weeks of painstaking negotiations in the Qatari capital, promises the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas in phases, officials have told media.
The release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israel and would allow hundreds of thousands of people displaced in Gaza to return to what remains of their homes. It also would flood badly needed humanitarian aid into a devastated territory.
The reported agreement follows months of on-off negotiations brokered by Egyptian and Qatari mediators, with the backing of the United States, and came just ahead of the January 20 inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump.
Hamas, Gaza's dominant Palestinian militant group, told Reuters its delegation had handed mediators its approval for the ceasefire agreement and return of hostages.
A Palestinian official, who asked not to be named, told Reuters earlier Hamas had given verbal approval to the ceasefire and hostage return proposal under negotiation in Qatar and was waiting for more information to give final written approval.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said he was cutting a visit to Europe short and flying back to Israel overnight to take part in security cabinet and government votes on the deal - meaning the votes would likely be by or on Thursday.
