Israel intensified strikes on Gaza hours after a ceasefire and hostage release deal was announced, residents and authorities in the Palestinian enclave said, and mediators sought to quell fighting ahead of the truce's start on Sunday.

Mediators say Israel and Hamas have agreed to a pause in fighting in Gaza and to begin releasing the hostages held there.

Residents and authorities in the Palestinian enclave told Reuters about Israel's military escalated attacks on Gaza after the truce was reached on Wednesday.