Israel and Hamas agree to part of Trump’s Gaza peace plan

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on the Associated Press News or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire and hostage-prisoner exchange, marking the most significant diplomatic breakthrough since the Gaza war began in October 2023
• Brokered by the Trump administration, the agreement includes the release of all 20 remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, alongside a phased Israeli military withdrawal from most of Gaza
• Both parties confirmed the deal’s broad outlines, with implementation expected to begin within days

🔭 The context: The war began with a Hamas-led attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251 hostages
• The ensuing conflict has left Gaza largely in ruins, with over 67,000 Palestinians dead and global protests intensifying
• Previous ceasefires in late 2023 and early 2025 failed
• The Trump administration re-engaged in mediation last month, proposing a phased peace plan involving international oversight and reconstruction

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: A durable ceasefire could help alleviate one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, allowing aid access and reducing regional tensions
• The U.S.-led plan includes a multilateral reconstruction initiative and deployment of Arab-led international forces inside Gaza, which could set a precedent for post-conflict peacekeeping models
• Still, the lack of clarity on Hamas’ disarmament and Gaza’s future governance presents significant implementation challenges

⏭️ What's next: Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to seek cabinet approval on Thursday. Hamas is urging swift and full implementation, including aid access and troop withdrawal
• The first hostages could be released as early as Monday. Key elements of the Trump plan — including governance reform in the Palestinian Authority and a possible future role for international peacekeepers — remain under negotiation
• The deal’s long-term success will depend on the resolution of these contentious issues and sustained international commitment

💬 One quote: “I want to smell his smell. If I have one dream, it is seeing Matan sleep in his own bed,” – Einav Zangauker, mother of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker

📈 One stat: More than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, with nearly half of the casualties being women and children

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