Summary Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire deal to end 15 months of war US President Joe Biden confirmed the deal, which involves a full and complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the release of all the hostages held by Hamas United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres says easing "the tremendous suffering caused by this conflict" is the first priority, with the UN ready to increase aid deliveries to the Palestinians Despite the deal, which does not come into effect until Sunday, 19 January, the Hamas-run Civil Defence agency reported that Israeli airstrikes killed more than 20 people on Wednesday Hamas attacked southern Israel on 7 October 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 back to Gaza as hostages The attack triggered a massive Israeli offensive on Gaza, during which more than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry According to BBC Verify research, 94 hostages are still being held by Hamas, of whom 34 are presumed dead