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Ceasefire begins in Gaza

A group of Palestinians walk on a road surrounded by rubble. A child leads the group, with two women behind him carrying belongings on their shoulder and arms. Behind them is a young girl carrying a saucepan on her head. To her right is a man with a large bag on his back.Getty Images

A pause in fighting, known as a ceasefire, has begun in Gaza in the Middle East, following a deal agreed by both Israel and Hamas.

The deal involves the Israeli military pulling back to an agreed point within Gaza, Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners being released, and more aid going into Gaza.

Palestinians make their way along a road as they return to northern Gaza, during the ceasefire.Reuters

Palestinians make their way along a road as they return to northern Gaza during the ceasefire

Tens of thousands of Palestinians have started returning to northern Gaza, including parts of Gaza City, which many had left during the fighting.

Many homes, schools, hospitals, mosques and shops have been badly damaged or destroyed there after months of airstrikes and shelling.

Palestinian children make their way to northern Gaza.Reuters

Palestinian children making their way to northern Gaza

Read more details on the Gaza ceasefire deal

The pause in fighting comes after peace talks involving Israel, Hamas, the United States and Arab countries.

Under the deal, Hamas has until Monday to return hostages, while Israel must release Palestinian prisoners.

The deal has been described as a "first phase", with many more details still to be agreed to achieve a lasting peace.