As news of the breakthrough surfaced, stakeholders from politicians to families of hostages kidnapped at the start of the war breathed a sigh of relief that the long, violent and acrimonious

Israeli government officials said they would wait at least until tomorrow before voting to ratify a deal to pause the fighting in Gaza and secure the release of dozens of Israeli hostages. The vote, which had been expected today, was delayed as diplomats raced to work through last-minute disputes between the two sides.

Envoy Steve Witkoff, carrying a message from Donald Trump, broke through the impasse in long-futile cease-fire talks.

President-elect Donald Trump’s influence over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was the defining factor in reaching a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, according to sources close to the negotiations.