Hamas has lost nearly 20,000 terrorists and most leaders since Oct. 7, but maintains its grip on humanitarian aid and thousands of fighters as Gaza's civilian system breaks down.

In final White House speech, outgoing leader says Hamas hostage deal groundwork was laid in May.

An hostage and ceasefire deal has been reached between Israel and Hamas. Following intense negotiations and the resolution of last-minute disputes, senior officials confirmed to Israel Hayom: 'There is an agreement.'

This scenario is comparable to the United States allowing Guantanamo detainees to disperse along its borders with Canada and Mexico a year after 9/11, or permitting them to join Taliban forces against US troops in Afghanistan – a notion that defies strategic logic.

Development comes just hours after US media reported that Hamas' de facto Gaza leader Mohammed Sinwar agreed 'in principle' to the contours of the emerging Qatari-brokered draft agreement, citing Arab sources. PM's office says no response has been submitted.