A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began on Sunday, halting 15 months of brutal war in Gaza and paving the way for the release of hostages still being held by the Palestinian militant group in the shattered enclave.
The deal for an initial six-week truce offers hope of a pause — and potentially an end — to the bloodiest war in the decades-long history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has left Gaza in ruins, consumed Israeli society and brought the Middle East to the brink of a full-blown war.
The truce, which is the first stage of a three-phase agreement thrashed out by US-led mediators last week after months of failed attempts, had been due to take effect at 8.30am local time (06.30 GMT).
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