Highlights:
Israel and Hamas agree on an initial phase of a peace plan after nearly two years of conflict.
Hamas to release the last 20 Israeli hostages under the new deal.
Donald Trump plays a key mediating role during his Middle East visit.
Humanitarian aid to increase in Gaza following the agreement.
Over 67,000 Palestinians and hundreds of Israelis have died in the war so far.
Full Report:
A major breakthrough has emerged in the prolonged Israel-Hamas conflict as both sides reportedly agreed to the first phase of a peace plan, mediated by former US President Donald Trump.
Under the agreement, Hamas will release the remaining 20 Israeli hostages, with the process being supervised by the Red Cross before the captives are handed over to the Israeli military.
Trump is currently on a Middle East tour, where he is scheduled to address Israel’s Knesset, meet with families of the hostages, and hold discussions with Egyptian and other regional leaders at a peace summit.
Following the deal, international organizations are expected to expand humanitarian assistance in Gaza, where the conflict has caused a severe humanitarian crisis. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began.
The conflict started on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly assault on southern Israel, killing hundreds. The new peace agreement is being viewed as the most concrete step yet toward ending two years of devastating violence.
