Overview
- President Donald Trump said Israel agreed to an initial withdrawal line that would trigger an immediate cease-fire and the start of hostage and prisoner exchanges once Hamas confirms.
- Israel’s political leadership ordered the IDF to halt its offensive to capture Gaza City and conduct defensive-only operations, with troops still encircling the city and residents warned not to return.
- Despite the operational reduction, Gaza authorities and medics reported dozens of deaths from continued Israeli strikes, with bombardment described as less intense but ongoing.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said negotiators were being sent to Egypt and voiced hope to announce the return of all hostages in the coming days, as U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner travel for talks.
- Major issues remain unresolved, including the precise withdrawal map and timeline and Hamas’s disarmament, while UN data show large displacement from northern to southern Gaza in recent weeks.