The ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel creates political risks for the militant group's leadership and for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Hamas is no longer the militant group whose invasion of Israel triggered the two-year war in Gaza, the Israeli military spokesperson said on Friday at the start of a ceasefire with the Palestinian militant group.

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.

Israel and Hamas are preparing for a hostage exchange as the first phase of the signed ceasefire deal. And, the Justice Department has indicted Letitia James after pressure from President Trump.

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.

A bipartisan measure to restrict Trump’s war powers failed in the Senate. Last night: In a 51-48 vote, the Senate rejected legislation that would require the president to seek congressional authorization to carry out military strikes on cartels.

Holding out hope he will see his son again is Ruby Chen, a Brooklyn man whose son Itay​ was serving in the IDF when Hamas attacked Israel two years ago.

Exiled Gaza chief Khalil Al-Hayya said on Thursday the group has received guarantees from the United States, Arab mediators, and Turkey that the war in Gaza has permanently ended.