• Source:JND
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Israel Hamas War Update: Palestinians across Gaza held celebrations after Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza. The ceasefire is set to take effect on Sunday, January 19. The historic deal, mediated in Doha by Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, includes a phased truce and the release of hostages held during 15 months of intense fighting. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said early on Thursday that Hamas has backtracked on an earlier understanding of the ceasefire agreement. His statement could indicate that obstacles remain to implementing the deal.

Outside Deir al-Balah's Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, hundreds of Palestinians gathered to chant, sing, and wave flags.

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Young children and adults alike joined in the celebrations, with some being raised on people's shoulders to conduct interviews.

Large jubliant crowds also gathered in Khan Yunis, with young men surfing through the crowd on the shoulders of others beating drums and cheering. In Gaza City, residents expressed a mix of joy and sadness for those lost in the conflict.

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The deal is expected to halt the fighting for an initial 42 days, with 33 hostages held in Gaza released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Hamas sparked the war on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of 1,210 people in Israel and 46,707 in Gaza, according to official figures.