It paves the way for the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. It started three hours later than expected. Hamas said the delay was connected to "technical field reasons,

The truce aims to halt Israeli strikes that have killed more than 46,800 Palestinians and laid waste to the enclave, plus see the gradual release of hostages held in captivity for 15 months.

The deal is expected to begin Sunday, with the exchange of several hostages held in Gaza for a number of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.