Tensions rose sharply and quickly after two members of Hamas's elite forces were shot dead by gunmen from the powerful Dughmush clan in Gaza City's Sabra neighbourhood. One of them was the son of a senior commander in Hamas's armed wing, Imad Aqel, who now heads the group's military intelligence.

Hamas founding member Mousa Abu Marzouk stormed off a live interview after being pressed on the terror organization’s role in the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks.

President Donald Trump had to maintain the trust of Israel and a series of Arab- and Muslim-majority nations. His ability to walk that tightrope was tested repeatedly.

Hamas has demanded that all rivals lay down their weapons within 48 hours and surrender their leaders to the militant group. Popular Forces, the largest rival that is run by Yasser Abu Shabab, controls larges swaths of Rafah and has received weapons, armoured cars and training from Israel, has refused to comply.

It is unclear if disagreement over the list of Palestinian prisoners will affect the release of hostages within the agreed 72 hours.

The U.S. is preparing to establish a center in Israel that will monitor the cease-fire and oversee the distribution of humanitarian aid.

Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, said he would be willing to credit President Donald Trump with brokering a ceasefire in Gaza if the agreement is enforced and “delivers peace.

A directive, which Israeli officials believe was written by Yahya Sinwar, the powerful leader of Hamas in Gaza, and recordings called for fighters to target soldiers and civilian communities — and to broadcast the violent acts.

Last month, President Donald Trump proposed a 20-point plan for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip ahead of this week's negotiations in Egypt.

Hamas has said it has given Israel a list of Palestinian prisoners it wants to be released in return for the freeing of hostages in Gaza. Tahir Al-Nono, the group’s political media advisor, said that “a spirit of optimism is prevailing” surrounding the ongoing negotiations for a peace deal that continue today in Sharm El-Sheik, Egypt.

Israel assesses that Hamas may not be able to find and return all the remaining dead hostages in Gaza, according to three Israeli sources, a fact that may complicate efforts to reach a deal to end the war.