An initial ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, the first phase of which both sides signed Thursday, would halt fighting in Gaza and see Hamas release all remaining hostages in exchange for Israel’s release of Palestinian prisoners. It remains to be formalized by a vote of Israel’s government, which is meeting Thursday evening, before a final version can come into force. Many of the details of the deal remain unclear, including when Israel is supposed to halt fighting in Gaza. Israeli strikes continued Thursday. The thornier issues within the wider U.S.-backed plan to end the war — including the disarmament of Hamas and a full withdrawal of Israeli troops — appear to have been left for future negotiations. President Donald Trump said Thursday that the hostages would be released Monday or Tuesday and that he would travel to Egypt for a signing of the plan.
