Israel and Hamas have agreed a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal following meetings with Qatar's prime minister, a source briefed on the talks has told the BBC. There was no confirmation from the Israeli government or Hamas, but a Hamas official earlier told the BBC it had approved a draft from Qatari, US and Egyptian mediators.

They applaud the potential freeing of loved ones after 15 months of captivity in Gaza but remain anxious that gradual releases could leave some in Hamas hands.

The first phase of the deal reached between Hamas and Israel on Wednesday includes a pause in the war and the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza and of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli custody.