Intl community welcomes 'first phase' of Gaza truce

The international community has expressed hope for peace and urged Israel and Hamas to fulfill their commitments after the two parties agreed to the "first phase" of a deal signaling a breakthrough in the two-year conflict in Gaza.

The initial phase of the plan involves the release of all 20 living Israeli hostages remaining in Gaza in the coming days, the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and the retreat of Israeli troops from the majority of Gaza.