A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has been confirmed by the United States and Qatar, pausing the devastating 15-month war in Gaza and clearing the way for dozens of Israeli hostages

After 15 months of bitter conflict on the Gaza Strip, a ceasefire deal has been agreed which promises an end to the fighting and will allow for the access of food and other desperately needed humanitarian aid to the civilian population.

Qatar says truce talks between Israel and Hamas are at their "closest point" to a deal for Gaza after the resolution of "major issues" in recent weeks. Qatar says talks in Doha are seeking to finalize a Gaza cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas An Israeli government spokesman said' we are close,