Focus on the BIG picture.
Sunday, Jun 21, 2026

Israel and Hamas Agree to Ceasefire and Hostage Release

Israel and Hamas Agree to Ceasefire and Hostage Release

An eagerly anticipated deal signals a possible resolution to the Gaza conflict, with hostages, including Americans, expected to be released.
Hamas and Israel have agreed to a deal to cease hostilities in Gaza with a six-week truce, as confirmed by mediators from the U.S. and Qatar on Wednesday.

The agreement entails the release of numerous hostages, including some Americans, as part of a larger initiative to conclude the 15-month war that has ravaged the area.

Although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet officially sanctioned the deal, U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed his approval of this breakthrough following months of challenging negotiations.

Biden, who initially suggested a framework for the agreement in May, commended both the Trump and Biden administrations for their efforts in reaching the deal.

The ceasefire is set to commence on Sunday, featuring the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the increased delivery of humanitarian aid to the region.

During the 42-day period, Palestinian prisoners will also be freed, and further discussions will be held to seek a lasting solution to the conflict.

While Netanyahu has not given full authorization, some of his Cabinet members might oppose the agreement, with internal tensions in his coalition making final approval more complex.

A prior attempt at a ceasefire fell apart due to unresolved key issues. This deal signifies an important moment in a year of complex diplomacy, with negotiations frequently stalling and U.S. officials actively pushing for resolution.

The U.S. has been instrumental in managing the negotiations, with Trump’s team also contributing in the final stages.

Although Netanyahu has shown support for the release of hostages, he has not yet agreed to the wider ceasefire arrangement.

The result of the Israeli Cabinet's vote will decide whether the truce takes effect or negotiations resume.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Artificial Intelligence Boom and Memory Chip Shortages Push Up Global Technology Costs
Federal Reserve Signals Possible Rate Hikes as Energy Inflation Remains Elevated
Climate Financing Disputes Leave United Nations Talks in Germany Deadlocked
World Health Organization Warns Ebola Outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo Could Become a Regional Crisis
Ukraine Launchs Largest Drone Attack on Moscow Since War Began as Russia Responds With Nationwide Strikes
United States, Israel and Iran Sign Framework Deal to End Conflict and Reopen Strait of Hormuz
United Nations Says Global Forced Displacement Has Reached a Record 118 Million People
United States Warns ASML Over Concerns China Obtained Advanced Chipmaking Equipment
Japanese Yen Falls to Forty-Year Low Against the Dollar Despite Bank of Japan Rate Increase
Ukraine Strikes Moscow Oil Refinery in Renewed Long-Range Drone Attack
Japan and the Philippines Finalize Defense Supply Pact Amid Rising Regional Security Tensions
United States Releases Emergency Funding to Combat Expanding Ebola Outbreak in Central Africa
Federal Reserve Signals Further Rate Increases as Inflation Pressures Persist in the United States
United States and Iran Sign Interim Agreement to End Three-Month Conflict and Reopen Strait of Hormuz
Global Energy Transition Loses Momentum Amid Geopolitical Tensions and Supply Chain Disruptions
International Regulators Warn of Rising Cyber and Disinformation Threats to Financial Systems
Ukraine Secures New German Commitment on Anti-Ballistic Missile Systems
Federal Reserve Signals Interest Rate Cuts Will Be Delayed Amid Persistent Inflation
Global Growth Forecasts Cut to 2.5 Percent as Energy Price Shock Weighs on Economies
United States Lifts Naval Blockade on Iranian Ports Following Ceasefire Agreement
United States and Iran Sign Interim Peace Agreement to End Three-Month Conflict
European Parliament Approves Fast-Track Deportation Rules and External Return Hubs for Migrants
Apple Raises Global Product Prices as Semiconductor Memory and Storage Shortages Persist
European Union Advances €131 Billion Defence and Space Budget and Welcomes Canada to Procurement Pact
US Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rates at 3.5 to 3.75 Percent Amid Cautious Economic Outlook
G7 Summit in France Ends Without Joint Communique as Leaders Split Over Ukraine, Middle East and US Diplomacy
Israel Consolidates Control Over 1,000 Square Kilometres Across Gaza, Lebanon and Syria After Years of Military Operations
United States and Iran Sign Memorandum of Understanding to End Conflict and Reopen Strait of Hormuz
New Global Study Finds Climate Messages Gain More Support When Focused on Costs and Energy Security
Canada Announces New Infrastructure and Housing Measures for British Columbia
Russia Hosts ASEAN Leaders in Kazan to Mark Thirty-Five Years of Partnership
Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth Urges Europe to Take Greater Responsibility in NATO Overhaul
G7 Backs UK and French Naval Initiative to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Shipping Routes
United States and Iran Sign Memorandum on Nuclear Restraint and Regional De-escalation
G7 Nations Commit Additional Military Aid to Ukraine Ahead of Winter
Health Officials Warn Ebola Outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo Could Become Deadliest on Record
SpaceX Acquires AI Coding Platform Developer Anysphere in $60 Billion Deal
China's Retail Sales Unexpectedly Contract as Industrial Output Remains Resilient
Federal Reserve Keeps Interest Rates Unchanged Under Chairman Kevin Warsh
Bank of Japan Raises Interest Rates and Signals Further Shift Away From Ultra-Loose Policy
G7 Leaders Promise More Military Support for Ukraine and Tougher Sanctions on Russian Energy
United States and Iran Agree Framework to Reopen Strait of Hormuz and Ease Regional Tensions
European Union Considers Social Media Ban for Children Under Sixteen
Russia Offers India Access to Major Siberian Rare Earth Minerals Deposit
China and Myanmar Expand Economic and Strategic Cooperation During Beijing State Visit
Bank of Japan Raises Key Interest Rate to One Percent Amid Rising Energy Costs
Ukraine Formally Opens European Union Membership Negotiations
Group of Seven Leaders Pledge Greater Pressure on Russia to End War in Ukraine
United States and Iran Agree to Ceasefire and Reopen Strait of Hormuz After Three-and-a-Half-Month War
Eight Killed in United States Air Force B-52 Bomber Crash During California Test Flight
×