Israeli air strikes are continuing in Gaza ahead of the ceasefire agreement and hostage deal with Hamas, which comes into effect on Sunday, subject to the Israeli cabinet's approval. The strikes killed 62 people overnight, following the announcement of the deal, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported.

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.

By Andrew Mills, Nidal al-Mughrabi and Maayan Lubell DOHA/CAIRO/JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel intensified strikes on Gaza hours after a ceasefire and hostage release deal was announced, residents and authorities in the Palestinian enclave said,

After intense negotiations, Israel and Hamas have reached a deal that would see a ceasefire and the exchange of hostages in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners.

Marking an end to more than 15 months of deadly conflict, Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire deal on Wednesday.

The ceasefire in Gaza represents a "great victory" for the Palestinian resistance, Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Thursday, warning against any possible breach by Israel. Palestinian armed group Hamas and Israel reached a deal for a ceasefire in Gaza that mediators said would take effect on Sunday.

Bar-llan University Professor of Politics Gerald Steinberg claims Israel is an “angrier” nation and will take swift military action in response to any ceasefire violations.