US President Donald Trump declared Thursday evening that the war between Israel and Hamasin the Gaza Strip has ended, expressing optimism that the release of hostages, both living and deceased, would take place early next week.
Negotiations in Sharm el-Sheikh have made rapid progress, with cautious optimism on all sides. According to multiple diplomatic sources, a deal is expected to be finalized within 24 to 36 hours.
According to the Associated Press, the note US President Donald Trump received from Secretary of State Marco Rubio said: "We need you to approve a Truth Social post so you can announce deal first."
With the possible release of 20 living hostages from the Gaza Strip, the IDF are preparing for their arrival on a larger scale than in previous instances. Officer quarters at the Re’im military base are being converted into reception areas for the hostages.
Cautious optimism was felt in Jerusalem after Hamas's overseas spokesperson said efforts were being made to remove obstacles to a ceasefire deal, and that negotiations focused on ending the war in Gaza, the withdrawal of IDF troops, and a hostage deal.
Israel believes a deal could be within reach in the coming days, but senior officials remain concerned over hardline demands from Hamas. The terrorist organization insisted that any agreement must include the release of high-profile Palestinian terrorists and a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip as part of the initial phase.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the terrorist organization is insisting on the return of its leaders’ bodies, which are in Israeli custody. The report said Hamas “hopes to emerge from the deal without its capabilities being harmed.”
The IDF intercepted nine boats from a pro-Palestinian flotilla attempting to reach the Gaza Strip with some 150 participants, most of them medical personnel. Israel's Foreign Ministry described the event as “another futile attempt to breach the legal naval blockade,” and said the passengers would be deported immediately.
Despite notable progress and several points of agreement, Hamas is raising new demands that could hinder a ceasefire. The arrival of senior American envoys is expected to resolve key disputes.
The plan, formulated by a team associated with Blair's office and American-Israeli circles close to the Trump administration, proposes an international governmental framework that would operate in Gaza for 3 to 5 years, until control is transferred to a "reformed" Palestinian authority.
