**Israel and Hamas Reach Ceasefire Deal**
After 15 months of war, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire. The deal is designed to stop fighting in Gaza and free hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners being held by Israel.
**The Agreement**
The negotiations took months and were led by the US and Qatar. The deal will be implemented in three phases:
* **Stage one**: A 42-day period with an absolute ceasefire, release of 33 hostages, including women and children, and release of 1,900 Palestinian prisoners.
* **Stage two**: A permanent ceasefire is established, and the remaining living hostages are exchanged for more Palestinian prisoners. Israeli forces will complete their withdrawal.
* **Stage three**: The return of all dead hostage bodies and reconstruction of Gaza.
**Hostage Release**
Hamas has released 24 hostages, including female Israeli soldiers and Thai nationals, in a series of stage-managed events. They were handed over to the Red Cross, then to Israeli forces, and finally reunited with their families.
**Palestinian Prisoners**
In the first phase, around 1,900 Palestinian prisoners from Gaza and detainees will be released. Many of those released had never been charged or convicted of serious crimes.
**Aid and Reconstruction**
According to the agreement, 600 lorries a day of aid will be allowed into Gaza. Half of these lorries will go to the north of Gaza, where food security experts have warned of an imminent famine. Rebuilding Gaza is estimated to cost $40 billion and will take many years.
**Return Home**
Gazans are returning home in large numbers, but many have nothing to return to. Streets and neighborhoods are in ruins. The process is fraught with risks of unexploded ordnance and warnings by the Israeli military for civilians to stay away from military positions.