麻豆约拍

A ceasefire has come into effect between Israeli troops and Hamas fighters in Gaza, after a shaky start punctuated by sporadic sounds of explosions.

Both sides have said the pause, which is scheduled to last four days, would only be temporary.

Under the deal, mediated by Qatar, 50 Israeli hostages held by Hamas are due to be released and about 150 Palestinian women, teenage boys and men will be freed from Israeli jails.

Nadia Harhash is a Palestinian lawyer, author and political commentator based in Jerusalem. She told Newsday: 鈥淗opefully this is an opportunity for everyone to take a breath鈥� it鈥檚 a crazy situation鈥� everything is driven with hatred and rage and I do hope sincerely鈥� this will give people a chance to get off this craziness that鈥檚 going on.鈥�

(Picture: Shows Palestinians checking on their homes as the four-day humanitarian pause begins in Gaza on November 24, 2023. Credit: Mustafa Hassona / Anadolu via Getty Images.)