Overview

• President Donald Trump announced both sides agreed to the first step of his 20‑point plan pairing a pause in fighting with a major hostage‑for‑prisoner exchange.
• Hamas said it exchanged lists for the swap and described provisions for Israeli withdrawal, aid entry and a ceasefire in the initial stage.
• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene Israel’s government on Thursday to seek approval, with officials saying releases are expected to begin Saturday.
• About 48 hostages remain from 2023, roughly 20 believed alive and slated for the first tranche, as the IDF prepares to pull back to an agreed “yellow line” once hostages are secured.
• U.S., Qatari, Egyptian and Turkish mediators led talks in Sharm el‑Sheikh; core gaps persist over Hamas disarmament, future governance, verification and precise timelines.