Mark Lowen

And it was very much a clear message from Hamas that despite Benjamin Netanyahu's, Israeli Prime Minister's, stated aim of the total annihilation of Hamas... Over 15 months of war, yes, Hamas has been severely weakened, but they are still very much there. And I think that that was a very clear message from them, a kind of PR message that they are determined to have a stake in Gaza's future.

And it was very much a clear message from Hamas that despite Benjamin Netanyahu's, Israeli Prime Minister's, stated aim of the total annihilation of Hamas... Over 15 months of war, yes, Hamas has been severely weakened, but they are still very much there. And I think that that was a very clear message from them, a kind of PR message that they are determined to have a stake in Gaza's future.

They are still the dominant part there and they have not been destroyed.

They are still the dominant part there and they have not been destroyed.

Yes, I mean, the fact that yesterday, in the end, passed off successfully after an albeit almost three-hour delay in the ceasefire coming into place, with the release of the Israeli hostages and then the release of dozens of Palestinian prisoners late into the night, is the model that will now be followed every week of the first week phase of the ceasefire agreement, with three or four hostages at least every weekend.

Yes, I mean, the fact that yesterday, in the end, passed off successfully after an albeit almost three-hour delay in the ceasefire coming into place, with the release of the Israeli hostages and then the release of dozens of Palestinian prisoners late into the night, is the model that will now be followed every week of the first week phase of the ceasefire agreement, with three or four hostages at least every weekend.

in exchange for dozens of Palestinian prisoners. And, you know, clearly it can work, as we saw yesterday. But it is still fragile.

in exchange for dozens of Palestinian prisoners. And, you know, clearly it can work, as we saw yesterday. But it is still fragile.

And on day 16 of that first six-week phase, the two warring sides will start to negotiate the next phase of the ceasefire deal, which will be the release of the remaining living Israeli hostages and Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and discussions on Gaza's future. So those are very, very difficult issues. There will be extreme disagreement over that.

And on day 16 of that first six-week phase, the two warring sides will start to negotiate the next phase of the ceasefire deal, which will be the release of the remaining living Israeli hostages and Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and discussions on Gaza's future. So those are very, very difficult issues. There will be extreme disagreement over that.

And there are fissures within the Israeli government over... the plans for Israel's complete withdrawal from Gaza. So, you know, plenty of obstacles and stumbling blocks to come, but a moment of relief and a moment of hope as the ceasefire deal got underway yesterday.

And there are fissures within the Israeli government over... the plans for Israel's complete withdrawal from Gaza. So, you know, plenty of obstacles and stumbling blocks to come, but a moment of relief and a moment of hope as the ceasefire deal got underway yesterday.

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We are here on Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, a place that has become very much the focal point of the trauma that Israelis have felt since the 7th of October, those Hamas attacks which killed 1,200 people and in which 250 were taken hostage into Gaza. But the trauma, it is hoped here...

We are here on Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, a place that has become very much the focal point of the trauma that Israelis have felt since the 7th of October, those Hamas attacks which killed 1,200 people and in which 250 were taken hostage into Gaza. But the trauma, it is hoped here...

will be somewhat alleviated by the ceasefire deal that was announced last night in the Qatari capital, Doha, between Israel and Hamas, that is due to go into place on Sunday. A ceasefire deal that could also ease the pain and suffering in Gaza, where more than 46,000 people have been killed there, and which would allow the return of some of the displaced people.

will be somewhat alleviated by the ceasefire deal that was announced last night in the Qatari capital, Doha, between Israel and Hamas, that is due to go into place on Sunday. A ceasefire deal that could also ease the pain and suffering in Gaza, where more than 46,000 people have been killed there, and which would allow the return of some of the displaced people.

to return home to rebuild what is left of their shattered lives. Now, the Israeli cabinet was due to meet to discuss and vote through that deal this morning, but it has been delayed with a statement from the Israeli prime minister's office accusing Hamas of reneging on parts of the agreement to try to

to return home to rebuild what is left of their shattered lives. Now, the Israeli cabinet was due to meet to discuss and vote through that deal this morning, but it has been delayed with a statement from the Israeli prime minister's office accusing Hamas of reneging on parts of the agreement to try to