On Monday, Israel received caskets from Gaza containing the bodies of four slain hostages, as Hamas fell short of its commitment to return all deceased hostages. While the identities of Guy Illouz, Yossi Sharabi, Bipin Joshi, and Daniel Perez were confirmed, the fate of 24 other deceased hostages remained unknown. Israeli officials expressed concerns over Hamas’s actions, with the families of those missing demanding a strong response, as well as a halt to any further implementation of the agreement until all the fallen are returned.
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As the ceasefire takes hold in Gaza, Hamas is reasserting its control over areas not occupied by Israeli forces. The group’s internal security forces have been seen on the streets, arresting alleged collaborators and engaging in clashes with opposing clans. Hamas has declared a week-long amnesty for certain criminal gangs, but its control is challenged by groups like the Popular Forces, who refuse to disarm. The future of security and policing in Gaza remains uncertain, especially concerning the potential establishment of an International Stabilization Force and the disarmament of Hamas.
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During a speech at the Israeli parliament, former President Donald Trump’s address was disrupted by two Knesset members, who held signs advocating for the recognition of Palestine, leading to their immediate removal by security. Trump, who had been praising his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff for brokering the ceasefire deal, was visibly annoyed by the interruption but resumed his speech. The ceasefire agreement, brokered by Trump, aimed to end the conflict in Gaza and facilitate the return of Israeli and Palestinian hostages. Trump hailed the deal as the beginning of a new era of peace in the region, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoing his sentiments.
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As part of a ceasefire, Hamas released the remaining 20 living hostages held in Gaza, who were returned to Israel, while the bodies of 28 deceased hostages are also expected to be handed over. In exchange, Israel is releasing 250 long-term Palestinian prisoners from Ofer Prison. The exchange, raising hopes for ending the conflict, will be accompanied by a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza, which has suffered severe destruction and displacement. The U.S. President arrived in the region to discuss a U.S.-proposed deal and postwar plans with leaders from across the region.
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Following a ceasefire with Israel, Hamas has mobilized approximately 7,000 gunmen to reassert control over Gaza, vowing to eliminate those deemed “outlaws and collaborators.” This move comes as Israeli forces gradually withdraw, leaving questions about governance and Hamas’s disarmament, as stipulated in the ceasefire plan. The truce marks a step towards ending a devastating two-year conflict initiated by Hamas’s attack on Israel, which has caused widespread destruction, displacement, and tens of thousands of casualties. Simultaneously, the United Nations is set to scale up aid delivery to address severe humanitarian conditions, while Israel maintains a defensive presence in a portion of Gaza.
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Following the commencement of a ceasefire, Israel announced that Hamas had been defeated in all locations where fighting occurred. An Israeli official advised Gazan residents against entering areas controlled by the Israel Defense Forces within the enclave. This declaration marked a shift in the conflict dynamics, with the focus now turning to post-ceasefire conditions. The statement highlighted the ongoing Israeli presence and control over certain areas within Gaza.
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The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has expressed relief at the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, poised to alleviate suffering in Gaza. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini confirmed the agency is prepared to deliver essential supplies, including food and medicine, with enough resources to feed the entire population for three months. Crucial to the implementation of the ceasefire, UNRWA staff in Gaza are ready to resume basic services like healthcare and education for displaced children. Lazzarini called on member states to support UNRWA’s vital work during this critical time.
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According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Vladimir Putin fears a ceasefire due to the challenges of returning to full-scale war, including economic difficulties, societal strain, and international repercussions. Zelenskyy suggests that increased pressure on Russia through long-range strikes, sanctions, and battlefield defense is necessary to achieve a ceasefire. He also indicated that support for peace initiatives is vital to this process. Finally, Zelenskyy stated that if Donald Trump were to end the war he would be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
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The first phase of a US-led peace plan between Israel and Hamas is set to be implemented, with an expected signing on Thursday. This initial stage involves an immediate ceasefire and the exchange of hostages for approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. President Trump has announced that Hamas will release hostages as early as next week, with the remains of deceased hostages also being handed over. The agreement also includes the potential transfer of power in Gaza to a technocratic government and the withdrawal of Israeli troops, paving the way for aid and further exchanges.
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Israeli sources indicate that Hamas may be unable to locate or retrieve the remains of all deceased hostages in Gaza, potentially complicating efforts to finalize a ceasefire deal. Intelligence suggests that the number of unrecoverable remains is in the single digits, impacting Israel’s demand for the return of all hostages, both living and dead. The Israeli government, aware of Hamas’s limitations, may leverage this uncertainty in negotiations, potentially to exert pressure on the final agreement’s details or to secure a full withdrawal from Gaza. However, a joint task force, involving multiple countries, will be created to locate and recover the remains of the deceased hostages.
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John Q. Hosedrinker