Focus on the BIG picture.
Friday, Feb 20, 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
Trump’s Evolving Stance on UK Chagos Islands Deal Draws Renewed Scrutiny
UK Has Not Granted US Approval to Launch Iran Strikes from RAF Bases, Government Confirms
Federal Reserve Acknowledges Unusual ‘Rate Check’ After White House Contact, Dollar Slides
High-Profile Guest List Fuels Speculation Ahead of White House State Dinner
White House Authorizes Expanded ICE Detentions for Refugee ‘Rescreening’ Effort
Trump-Allied Commission Fast-Tracks Approval of Controversial White House Ballroom Expansion
U.S. Bolsters Military Presence as President Trump Signals Readiness to Confront Iran
U.S. Posts Record Goods Trade Deficit Even as Trump’s Tariff Strategy Reshapes Supply Chains
Trump Administration Unveils Plan for New Global Health Body Following WHO Withdrawal
New Homeland Security Memo Details Expanded Refugee Detention for Additional Security Screening
Dean Philip Parker Meets Wisconsin Lawmakers in Washington to Advance Academic and Policy Partnerships
Tech Giants Build Parallel Power Networks to Sustain Explosive Growth of U.S. Data Centers
Qatar and Saudi Arabia Each Commit One Billion Dollars to President Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ Initiative
Trump Reasserts Opposition to UK Chagos Islands Proposal, Urges Stronger Strategic Alignment
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis advocates for a ban on minors using social media.
Liberal Senator Michaelia Cash Accuses Prime Minister of Lying to Australians
Nine police forces in the UK investigate evidence from the Epstein Files regarding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Meanwhile in Time Square, NYC One of the most famous landmarks
Jensen Huang just told the story of how Elon Musk became NVIDIA’s very first customer for their powerful AI supercomputer
A Lunar New Year event in Taiwan briefly came to a halt after a temple official standing beside President Lai Ching‑te suddenly vomited, splashing Lai’s clothing
Jillian Michaels reveals Bill Gates’ $55 million investment in mRNA vaccines turned into over $1 billion.
Ex-Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrested
Former British Prince Andrew Arrested on Suspicion of Misconduct in Public Office
Four Chagos Islanders Establish Permanent Settlement on Atoll
Former President Yoon Suk Yeol Sentenced to Life in Prison for Abuse of Authority
Unitree Robotics founder Wang Xingxing showcases future robot deployment during Spring Festival Gala.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz calls for real name use on social media.
D.C. resident who lost her grandson to violence speaks at the White House: Thank God for this President...
A female German journalist wanted to research the topic of gang rapes by migrants in Bavaria but was labeled "racist" and "right-wing" by her colleagues
Trump Praises Nicki Minaj at White House Black History Month Reception
Seattle Seahawks Say No White House Invitation Has Been Received
White House Dismisses Democratic Offer as Homeland Security Funding Standoff Continues
White House Urges Iran to Accept Deal as U.S. Reinforces Military Posture in Region
White House Responds to Zelenskyy Remarks and Potomac Sewage Spill in Press Briefing
Trump Highlights Economic and Education Gains for Black Americans at White House Ceremony
Hide the truth, fake the facts, pretend the opposite, Britain is as usual
France President Macron says Free Speech is Bull Sh!t
Viktor Orbán getting massive praise for keeping Hungary safe, rich and migrant-free!
Democratic-Led Cities Seek to Curb ICE Cooperation, Setting Stage for Confrontation with Trump Administration
Uncertainty Clouds Washington Post’s Future as Industry Pressures Mount
Washington State Snowpack Falls Sharply Below Normal After Unusually Dry Winter
Four Seasons Washington Retains Sole Forbes Five-Star Status in US Capital
Trump Warns UK’s Chagos Islands Agreement Is a “Big Mistake” Amid Strategic Security Debate
Trump Urges UK to Retain Sovereignty Over Diego Garcia Amid Strategic Concerns
Italian Police Arrest Man After Alleged Attempt to Abduct Toddler at Bergamo Supermarket, Child Hospitalised With Fractured Femur
Washington National Guard Boosts Counter-Drone Preparedness Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Removes Senior Army Spokesman Amid Pentagon Restructuring
Washington Trails National Trend as States Adopt Phone-Free School Laws
Carnival transforms Rio de Janeiro's streets with samba rhythms and lively celebrations
US Successfully Transports Small Nuclear Reactor from California to Utah
×