The deal was met with celebration in Gaza, which has been decimated in the war that began with the Hamas attacks on Israel, and prompted hopes that a fight that has transformed the Middle East will come to an end.

Israeli PM Netanyahu said Hamas had not lived up to its commitment to provide the names of the three hostages it was set to release later on Sunday in exchange for scores of Palestinian prisoners.

The ceasefire was delayed after Israel said Hamas had failed to produce the names of the first three hostages expected to be released on Sunday under the truce.