The deal, mediated by the United States, offered a glimmer of hope in a conflict that has taken an immense human toll.

A ceasefire in the war in Gaza should be positive for Israel's under-pressure credit rating, Fitch's top sovereign rating analyst said on Thursday.

Israel and Hamas have agreed a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal following 15 months of war, mediators Qatar and the US say. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani said the agreement would come into effect on Sunday so long as it was approved by the Israeli cabinet.