WASHINGTON: After months of gridlock, President Donald Trump finally landed a long-sought Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza — an agreement that only came together after a weekslong diplomacy blitz and a whole lot of help from some Arab and Muslim allies. The breakthrough is designed to bring about a pause in the fighting unleashed by Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel. The group is expected to release 48 hostages — about 20 of them believed to be alive — in the coming days.

The Gaza ceasefire deal, based on Trump's 20-point plan, aims to free prisoners and captives in the first phase.

The ceasefire will take effect after ratification by Netanyahu’s government, which meets after Thursday’s security cabinet session.