Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire deal to end 15 months of war which is expected to begin on Sunday January 19, according to several major media outlets.

The BBC said that 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.

Biden also disclosed that the first phase will allow Palestinians to return home to their neighbourhoods and let more humanitarian assistance into the Gaza Strip. 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.

Israel says 94 hostages are still being held by Hamas, of whom 34 are presumed dead.