Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire, marking a significant step towards ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This agreement was finalized after several days of negotiations in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, and was approved by Israel’s security cabinet on Thursday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the deal, emphasizing the importance of returning all hostages, both living and deceased. He expressed confidence that this goal is within reach. At the announcement, U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law, stood alongside Netanyahu, highlighting the collaborative effort in reaching this agreement.
Kushner praised the bravery of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), acknowledging the sacrifices made by those fighting for their country. He noted that these efforts played a crucial role in achieving the ceasefire.
As part of the ceasefire, Hamas is expected to release the 20 living hostages still held, with hopes that they will be returned to Israel early next week. However, the fate of the 28 deceased hostages remains uncertain, as there are concerns that Hamas may not know the locations of all the bodies.
In exchange for the hostages, Israel is likely to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, which may include some high-profile terrorists. Additionally, Israeli military forces are expected to withdraw from central Gaza during the initial phase of the ceasefire.
In a related development, President Trump is anticipated to visit Israel soon and address the Knesset, a rare honor for a sitting U.S. president. The Speaker of the Knesset, Amir Ohana, has formally invited Trump to speak, recognizing his role in fostering peace in the region.
This ceasefire represents a critical moment in the ongoing conflict and opens the door for potential further negotiations and resolutions.
