Israeli airstrikes, artillery and tank attacks continued in northern Gaza after the initial deadline of 8.30am local time, killing at least 13 Palestinians and wounding dozens more before the ceasefire actually took effect at 11.15am. Israel’s military said it had carried out air and artillery strikes against “terror targets”.

Extending the ceasefire depends on even more negotiations meant to begin soon and eventually tackling the tough issue of how Gaza will be governed, with Israel still demanding the elimination of Hamas. Hanging over those talks is the possibility Israel could resume its campaign to destroy the group — even as dozens of hostages remain in its hands.