Negotiators have reached a phased ceasefire deal in the war in Gaza between Israel and the militant group Hamas.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has again called for Israel and Hamas to agree to a ceasefire.

Officials say Ukraine has agreed to accept an immediate 30-day ceasefire in the conflict with Russia after talks with a US delegation in Saudi Arabia.

After fifteen months of heartbreak and bloodshed, finally, a reprieve came into effect as the ceasefire occurred.

The release of hostages under a temporary truce between Israel and Hamas militants has been postponed for 24 hours, Israel's national security adviser says.

Ukraine has spurned an offer from Russian President Vladimir Putin for a 36-hour ceasefire over Orthodox Christmas, saying there will be no truce until Russia withdraws its forces from occupied land.

Israel's air force says it is preparing to assist troops in a potential ground operation in Lebanon as several countries called for a ceasefire.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warns the latest push for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal is probably the best and possibly last opportunity, urging Israel and Hamas towards an elusive agreement.

Australia has voted in favour of a UN resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, hours after the prime minister called for a "sustainable ceasefire" with his Canadian and New Zealand counterparts.

US President Donald Trump says a precarious ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas should be cancelled if Hamas doesn't release all the remaining hostages it is holding in Gaza by a weekend deadline.