Israel launched a campaign to destroy Hamas - which is proscribed as a terrorist organisation by Israel, the US and others - in response to an unprecedented cross-border attack on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.

The deal, mediated by the United States, offered a glimmer of hope in a conflict that has taken an immense human toll.

The deal will take place in three different phases, each of which will last for six weeks, according to U.S. and Qatari officials.