Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says a "last minute crisis" with Hamas was holding up Israeli approval of a long-awaited agreement to pause the fighting in the Gaza Strip and release dozens of hostages.

The Israeli government must still formally approve the deal, which calls for Israel’s withdrawal from some areas of Gaza and the return of hostages taken by Hamas.

Israel and Hamas have agreed a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal following meetings with Qatar's prime minister, a source briefed on the talks has told the BBC. There was no confirmation from the Israeli government or Hamas, but a Hamas official earlier told the BBC it had approved a draft from Qatari, US and Egyptian mediators.

As Israel and Hamas edge closer to a possible ceasefire-hostage agreement, a small number of families whose loved ones remain captive in Gaza are saying “No” to a deal.

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

By Andrew Mills, Nidal al-Mughrabi and Maayan Lubell DOHA/CAIRO/JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel intensified strikes on Gaza hours after a ceasefire and hostage release deal was announced, residents and authorities in the Palestinian enclave said,

Qatari and Hamas officials say a ceasefire has been reached to pause Israel's war in Gaza and release dozens of hostages.

The ceasefire in Gaza represents a "great victory" for the Palestinian resistance, Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Thursday, warning against any possible breach by Israel. Palestinian armed group Hamas and Israel reached a deal for a ceasefire in Gaza that mediators said would take effect on Sunday.

Marking an end to more than 15 months of deadly conflict, Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire deal on Wednesday.