Israel and Hamas begin four-day ceasefire

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A long-anticipated four-day pause in the fighting between Israel and Hamas has come into effect, with both sides saying the pause is temporary.

Under the deal - which has been mediated by Qatar - 13 Israeli hostages are due to be released later today, with 50 being released over the four days.

As part of the agreement, Israel will release 150 Palestinian prisoners.

Small arms and mortar fire, as well as an air strike, were heard by a BBC reporter close to Gaza moments before the pause was due to come into effect.

Lorries carrying medical supplies, fuel and food have made their way into Gaza from Egypt, with Cairo saying 130,000 litres of diesel will be delivered daily.

UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron is meeting Palestinian leaders today, and says Britain is looking into all avenues to get support into Gaza.

Hamas’s attacks on 7 October killed 1,200 people and saw about 240 taken hostage
Since then, Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry says more than 14,000 people have been killed in Israel's retaliatory campaign.

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