HEADLINES
Gaza ceasefire starts with hostage releases
Mediators push five crossings for relief
Hostage families urge swift implementation

The time is now 7:32 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

As of 7:31 PM, this is the hourly update on the Gaza ceasefire and related developments.

A US-brokered framework announced in Sharm el-Sheikh aims to end the Gaza war through staged steps. In the first phase, Israel and Hamas have signed off on terms that include the release of all Israeli hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces to a pre‑agreed line. Reports describe hostage releases in defined steps, with indications that a first batch of live hostages—twenty in a single tranche—will be released as the process begins, and that the broader exchange will unfold over the coming days. The agreement is said to be accompanied by a withdrawal plan for Israeli forces from portions of Gaza and the entry of humanitarian aid through several crossings. Officials have signaled that Saturday and the days ahead could see significant movement, with the signing event anticipated in Egypt on Thursday afternoon.

President Donald Trump has announced that Israel and Hamas have signed off on the first phase of the peace plan, stressing that all hostages will be freed soon and that Israel will withdraw to an agreed line as an initial step toward a durable peace. He praised the mediators and framed the move as a historic breakthrough, saying that every party will be treated fairly and that the effort reflects a shared pursuit of peace in the region. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking in parallel, offered a solemn commitment: with God’s help, all the hostages will be brought home. He said he would convene the Israeli government to approve the agreement and to move promptly to implement it.

On the ground, Hamas and the broader Palestinian leadership have signaled assent to the proposal, with reports that the package includes a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from much of Gaza and the opening of crossings to allow urgent humanitarian aid. In the social and political centers of the conflict, the talks have centered on how best to secure the immediate return of hostages, guarantee the entry of essential aid, and prevent a renewal of fighting. Arab and regional mediators—most prominently Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey—are described as having played critical roles in shaping the terms and the sequence of implementation.

Families and communities directly touched by the hostages are watching closely. A hostage families forum greeted the news with a mix of excitement, hope, and concern, and pressed the government to act without delay to approve the agreement. They stressed that the mission remains unfinished until every captive—living and dead—returns home, and they warned that any postponement could carry serious consequences for those held and for the security situation in Gaza. The families also offered thanks to the United States and to the mediating countries for their leadership and persistence in advancing what they described as a historic step.

In parallel, several observers and satellite outlets reported that negotiations included adjustments to the withdrawal map and the potential opening of five crossings to expedite humanitarian relief. There were accounts of discussions about a broader ceasefire and a staged, verifiable end to the fighting, alongside assurances that the parties would adhere to the agreed terms to prevent a relapse into conflict. The dialogue has also been described as involving a broader set of Palestinian factions, with Hamas presenting a unified stance on the terms publicly through its channels.

For Israel, the political and security calculus remains rooted in ensuring a robust, verifiable end to the war and securing the return of all hostages. Security ministers and the cabinet are weighing the implications of the first phase and what full compliance would require in the days ahead. Domestic voices have stressed the need for unity and discipline as the government implements the agreement, while analysts caution that the situation is fluid and dependent on steadfast adherence by all sides.

The international dimension of the talks emphasizes the central role of the mediator trio—Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey—with the United States guiding the process from Washington. Washington has signaled readiness to support a durable ceasefire, while regional players have underscored the importance of reliable implementation and the avoidance of a relapse into hostilities. The broader regional context remains sensitive, with allied states monitoring Iranian influence and the wider network of regional proxies as factors in the stability of the ceasefire.

In a broader strategic context, observers note that any lasting settlement will need to address humanitarian relief, border security, and political credibility for both sides. The discussions have highlighted the importance of credible consequences for violations and the necessity of a transparent mechanism to manage the phased withdrawal and hostage releases. The coming hours and days are likely to bring official confirmations about the precise timing of the first hostages’ release, the exact withdrawal lines, and the operational details of aid entries and monitoring.

What to watch next: official announcements from Sharm el-Sheikh and Cairo confirming the timetable for the first phase, the specifics of the hostage releases, and the operational rules governing the crossings and aid deliveries. Anticipate statements from the Israeli government, from the Hamas leadership, and from the mediating countries detailing implementation milestones, verification steps, and contingency plans if any side falters. The situation remains dynamic, and the public should expect ongoing briefings as the parties move from agreement to execution.

This concludes the update for now. We will provide further updates as new details are confirmed and as the implementation timeline unfolds.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

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