In a pivotal moment for the protracted Israel-Hamas conflict, both parties have agreed to a preliminary ceasefire framework, reportedly mediated by the United States after nearly two years of intense warfare. According to CNN, the agreement outlines the immediate release of all hostages in Gaza, the withdrawal of Israeli forces to a predetermined location, and the release of select Palestinian prisoners. The conflict has exacted a devastating toll, with the Palestinian health ministry reporting over 67,000 fatalities in Gaza, predominantly women and children, and approximately 169,841 injuries. The actual death toll is suspected to be significantly higher, with many civilians still buried under rubble, as per estimates from the health ministry, the United Nations, and humanitarian organizations. In September, a UN-commissioned independent inquiry accused Israel of committing acts of genocide in Gaza, a claim supported by various experts and human rights groups but vehemently denied by the Israeli government. U.S. President Donald Trump hinted that the hostage release could commence as early as Monday, though unresolved issues such as Hamas’ disarmament and Gaza’s future governance remain unaddressed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the agreement as a ‘diplomatic success and a national and moral victory’ for Israel, while Hamas expressed gratitude to Trump and mediators including Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey. Trump has announced plans to travel to Egypt for the official signing of the deal, as reported by NBC News. Families of Israeli hostages and those previously released by Hamas celebrated the potential breakthrough, while Palestinians in Gaza greeted the news with cautious optimism, hoping it might herald an end to the prolonged conflict.