A ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas would go into effect Sunday if implemented, bringing relief to a battered and hungry population in Gaza as well as to the captives taken from Israel and held in the enclave for more than 15 months.

Israel and Hamas have agreed a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal following meetings with Qatar's prime minister, a source briefed on the talks has told the BBC. There was no confirmation from the Israeli government or Hamas, but a Hamas official earlier told the BBC it had approved a draft from Qatari, US and Egyptian mediators.

After intense negotiations, Israel and Hamas have reached a deal that would see a ceasefire and the exchange of hostages in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners.