Gaza ceasefire deal begins as British citizen among first hostages set for release - The ceasefire deal was signed off by Israel’s government on Saturday morning - but attacks have continued on the Ga

Thousands of displaced, war-weary Gazans set off across the devastated Palestinian territory to return to their homes on Sunday, after a long-awaited truce between Israel and Hamas went into effect following an initial delay.

After a last-minute delay that Israel said was due to Hamas lagging in handing over the names of hostages to be released, the ceasefire in Gaza has taken effect.

Israel and Hamas agreed to pause the devastating war in the Gaza Strip, mediators announced Wednesday, raising the possibility of winding down the deadliest and most destructive fighting between the bitter enemies.

The ceasefire between Hamas and Israel will go into effect in less than 24 hours, said Qatar’s foreign ministry on Saturday.

Under the first phase of the ceasefire, 33 hostages are set to be released over the next six weeks, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

The ceasefire agreement includes the release of hostages and a pause on the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.

Qatar, a key negotiator in the fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement, confirmed Saturday that the first hostages will be released in less than 24 hours. Qatari Foreign Minister Majid al-Ansari

Qatar has handed over drafts of a possible ceasefire agreement to both Hamas and Israel, Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said on Tuesday, adding that this is the closest point to a deal over the past months.

The last remaining British hostage inside Gaza is among three women Hamas militant group said it would release Sunday afternoon, as a long-awaited ceasefire finally came into effect following an eleventh-hour delay.

Egypt’s foreign minister said 600 trucks of aid, including 50 fuel trucks, should be entering Gaza daily during the ceasefire.