Hello. After Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza and to exchange hostages and prisoners, our international editor Jeremy Bowen considers what the deal can achieve. Outgoing US President Joe Biden has warned that democracy is under threat in America in his farewell speech, while Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has blasted a rocket into orbit. We'll also be finding out the secret to work-life balance in Denmark and, finally, what a meteorite sounds like when it strikes Earth.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

An end to the killing, but not the conflict

Women and children are among those reportedly injured in the overnight strikes. Credit: Reuters

After 15 months of war in Gaza, the deal between Israel and Hamas is a considerable achievement. But, notes Jeremy Bowen, it still faces considerable challenges. "With luck, it can stop the killing and get Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees and prisoners back to their families - but the conflict is as bitter and intractable as ever," Jeremy writes. On Thursday, an Israeli cabinet meeting meant to ratify the deal was postponed after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Hamas was reneging on parts of the deal, which Hamas has denied. Correspondent Rushdi Abualouf understands the issue is over the release of prominent prisoners.

• Watch: People in Gaza and Israel have shared how they feel at the prospect of a ceasefire and hostages being released.

• Mixed feelings: British relatives of some of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza do not yet know if their loved ones are alive, and when they might be freed.

• Not over yet: Israeli air strikes targeting Gaza overnight have killed dozens of people, the Hamas-run Civil Defence agency reported.

WORLD HEADLINES

BEYOND THE HEADLINES

Denmark's happy work-life balance

Only 1.1% of Danes have to work 50 or more hours a week, according to OECD figures. Credit: BBC/Jeff Overs

Meik Wiking, author of the book The Art of Danish Living, has long regarded his home country as having workplace policies that other countries should mimic. The right to a minimum five weeks of paid vacation per year, in addition to public holidays, is one of them. We take a look into the other reasons why Denmark is consistently ranked among the top countries in the world for work-life balance.

And finally...

A historic first has been captured on a doorbell camera - the moment a meteorite struck the ground outside a home, scattering dust and producing audible impact sounds. In July 2024, Laura Kelly and her partner Joe discovered the rock outside their home on Prince Edward Island, Canada, marking the province's first recorded meteorite fall. Take a look and have a listen.