Thousands of Palestinians in Gaza celebrated as news spread that a ceasefire and hostage release deal had been reached between Israel and Hamas, aimed at ending more than 15 months of fighting in the Palestinian territory, AFP reports.

AFP journalists in central Gaza’s Deir el-Balah and other areas witnessed people gathering in groups, hugging and taking photos with their mobile phones to mark the announcement.

 A man waves Palestinian flags as Palestinians react to news of a ceasefire deal with Israel, in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on January 15. — Reuters
A man waves Palestinian flags as Palestinians react to news of a ceasefire deal with Israel, in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on January 15. — Reuters

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