The UN secretary-general has reacted after Israel and Hamas agreed to have a ceasefire deal to halt the war in Gaza. The conflict had lasted several months.

UN chief Antonio Guterres has welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, describing the deal as a "critical first step and urging parties to seize this opportunity to establish a credible political path to a better future for Palestinians,

Israel and Hamas have agreed a historic ceasefire to end 15 months of war in Gaza, a conflict in which almost 50,000 people have been killed and which has threatened to draw in the whole of the Middle East.

After 15 months of fighting Israel and Hamas have agreed to a cease-fire deal. The deal will begin with an exchange of hostages held in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, according to officials.

The Government of Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire, with hostages to be released and humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, potentially ending the 15-month conflict. Following extensive negotiations, a truce between the parties has been established in alignment with the framework previously presented by the US in May.