Overview

• Israel and Hamas signed the first phase of a US-backed plan in Egypt that ties a pause in fighting to the release of remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, Israeli redeployments and a surge of aid.
• Israel’s government ratified the deal late Thursday, and the military said troops began repositioning to agreed lines as key Gaza roads reopened to civilian movement.
• Reports on Friday described Israeli strikes in parts of Gaza even after ratification, followed by a lull as the truce took effect and thousands cautiously started back toward Gaza City and areas of Khan Younis.
• Mediators outlined clear timelines: the ceasefire to begin within 24 hours of cabinet approval and hostage releases to follow within 72 hours, with Hamas indicating it received guarantees on the first phase.
• UN agencies said they are ready to scale up assistance as famine-level needs persist, while long-term issues such as Hamas disarmament and Gaza’s future governance remain unresolved.