**Ceasefire Agreement Reached in Israel-Hamas Conflict**
A ceasefire agreement has been reached to end 15 months of war between Israel and Hamas. The deal was negotiated by Qatari and US mediators.
**Hostages to be Released**
Under the agreement, 94 hostages held by Hamas will be released in stages. Of these, 34 are presumed to be dead. The families of some of the hostages have expressed cautious hope that their loved ones will be released safely.
**British Families React**
The daughter of Oded Lifschitz, a hostage aged 84, said she hoped her father was still alive. Sharone Lifschitz, speaking from east London, said miracles can happen.
The family of Eli Sharabi, another hostage, expressed hope that he would be released in the first phase of the agreement. Stephen Brisley, his brother-in-law, said he didn’t know what to feel after hearing the news.
**Tragedy and Destruction**
A Hamas attack on southern Israel in October 2023 killed over 1,200 people and took about 250 hostages. Israel responded with a massive offensive that has caused widespread destruction and displacement of most of Gaza’s population.
Gaza is still suffering from severe shortages of food, fuel, medicines, and shelter.
**Ceasefire to Take Effect**
The ceasefire agreement is expected to take effect on Sunday. While some families are cautiously hopeful, others fear possible setbacks.
**British Government Reacts**
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the deal as “long overdue news” that both Israelis and Palestinians have been waiting for. Foreign Secretary David Lammy called it a “moment of relief after more than a year of agony”.
Read More @ www.bbc.com