· 2 min read
illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Washington Post or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: Israel’s cabinet has approved the first phase of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, triggering a 24-hour countdown for a truce to begin
• The deal requires Hamas to release all remaining Israeli hostages within 72 hours of the ceasefire taking effect, while Israel will free over 1,900 Palestinian detainees
• U.S. President Donald Trump, who facilitated the negotiations, announced he will travel to Egypt for a formal signing of the plan.
🔭 The context: This development follows nearly two years of war since the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, which prompted an extended Israeli military campaign in Gaza
• Negotiations had been ongoing for months, with Trump’s Middle East team — Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner — playing a central role
• Despite opposition from key far-right ministers in Netanyahu’s government, the deal was approved, signaling a potential turning point in the conflict
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: A formal ceasefire could enable the delivery of critical humanitarian aid into Gaza and reduce the risk of further regional destabilisation
• It also tests the viability of high-level diplomacy in resolving entrenched conflicts involving non-state actors
• However, without clear agreements on disarmament, troop withdrawals, or governance, the ceasefire's durability remains uncertain
⏭️ What's next: If the truce holds, hostages could be released as early as Monday or Tuesday
• The U.S. is establishing a civil-military coordination center in Israel to manage aid and logistics but will not deploy troops into Gaza
• Further negotiations will address unresolved issues, including Hamas’ future role, international oversight, and the long-term governance of Gaza
• Sustained international pressure will be key to maintaining progress amid domestic political resistance in Israel
💬 One quote: “The government has now approved the outline for the release of all abductees — living and dead,” — Office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
📈 One stat: Israel is set to release around 1,950 Palestinian detainees, including 250 serving life sentences and all women and children detained since October 7, 2023
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