Overview

• Hamas has “basically” accepted the framework for releasing hostages, Rubio said, with technical talks now focused on logistics to test its intent quickly.
• U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected in Cairo for meetings centered on how to pause fighting, who retrieves hostages, and Red Cross access.
• The proposal envisions freeing 48 hostages — about 20 believed alive and 28 deceased — in exchange for Israel withdrawing to the yellow line and releasing 250 lifers plus 1,700 Gazan detainees.
• Rubio stressed the conflict is “not yet” over and said the harder second phase would build non-Hamas technocratic governance in Gaza and demobilize armed groups.
• Israel says it is preparing the plan’s first stage, Trump has pressed for speed and warned Hamas of severe consequences if it balks, and active combat must pause for any exchange to proceed.