Sun rises over Gaza after Israel, Hamas reach ceasefire deal

People shopped at a marketplace in Khan Younis in Gaza at sunrise on Thursday (January 16), hours after a ceasefire and hostage release deal was announced.

The complex ceasefire accord between Israel and militant group Hamas, which controls Gaza, emerged on Wednesday (January 15) after months of mediation by Qatar, Egypt and the U.S. and 15 months of bloodshed that devastated the coastal territory and inflamed the Middle East.

The deal outlines a six-week initial ceasefire with the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, where tens of thousands have been killed. Hostages taken by Hamas would be freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

At a news conference in Doha on Wednesday, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said the ceasefire would take effect on Sunday. Negotiators are working with Israel and Hamas on steps to implement the agreement, he said.