Overview

• President Donald Trump and Qatar confirmed an agreement on phase one covering the imminent release of hostages, an Israeli redeployment to an agreed line, expanded humanitarian access and prisoner exchanges.
• Hamas said the understanding entails a halt to fighting in Gaza during this phase, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to convene his government to approve the deal as mediators from the U.S., Qatar, Egypt and Turkey continue work.
• Reported terms indicate roughly 20 living hostages would be exchanged for about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, with 48 captives still in Gaza and about 20 believed alive.
• The schedule remains unsettled, with CNN citing a release as early as Saturday or Sunday and Trump mentioning Monday, and the president saying he may travel to the region this weekend.
• Major questions remain unresolved, including Hamas disarmament, the exact redeployment line and whether an international stabilization or observer presence will be deployed, raising concerns about durability.