Satellite images provide one way to get a sense of the devastating impact of the war on the Gaza Strip. Research released in the U.S. on Thursday estimates 59.8% of all buildings in the territory Gaza likely have been damaged in the war.

A visual guide to how much has changed in the Gaza Strip since Israel began its military response to Hamas's attacks on 7 October.

Israel and Hamas agreed to a deal to halt fighting in Gaza and exchange Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, an official briefed on the deal told Reuters on Wednesday, opening the way to a possible end to a devastating 15-month conflict.

DOHA/JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel and Hamas agreed to a deal to halt fighting in Gaza and exchange Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, an official briefed on the deal told Reuters on Wednesday, opening the way to a possible end to a 15-month war that has upended the Middle East.

The dispute underscores the fragility of the deal as mediators worked to ensure that it would go into effect on schedule.

The agreement follows months of on-off negotiations brokered by Egyptian and Qatari mediators, with the backing of the US.

New satellite photos have revealed the widespread destruction caused by Israeli strikes in Gaza, amid renewed hope that a ceasefire deal will end the deadly 15 month war. The images show Gaza City in June 2023 and January 2023.

Israeli forces bombards Gaza shortly after the ceasefire deal was announced with Hamas. IDF bombing came even as Palestinians in Gaza are celebrating the ceasefire agreement. Watch. #israel #gaza #cea