Overview

• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he will convene his government on Thursday to approve the agreement, with Israeli officials indicating releases could start as early as Saturday.
• Hamas signaled it will begin freeing captives after the Israel Defense Forces withdraw to an agreed line, with reports saying all 20 living hostages could be released this weekend and the return of remains to follow.
• U.S. President Donald Trump announced the breakthrough after days of talks in Egypt involving Qatar, Egypt and Turkey, with U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff joining Israeli and regional negotiators.
• The arrangement leaves major issues unsettled, including Hamas disarmament, who will govern Gaza after the pause, and how aid and security guarantees will be structured, creating clear implementation risks.
• Gaza authorities report more than 67,000 killed since 2023; of about 251 people taken hostage in the initial attack, roughly 20 are believed alive, and the UN chief urged all sides to fully honor the deal and allow unimpeded aid.