Netanyahu’s office says “the details will be finalized tonight” …
According to reports from multiple media outlets, Israel and terror group Hamas have reached a ceasefire deal. Phase one includes a temporary pause to the war and a phased release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners.
Hamas is expected to release 33 hostages during the first phase of an emerging deal.
According to CNN, “Negotiations to reach the second phase – which is intended to end the war – would begin on the 16th day of the implementation of the deal.”
President-elect Donald Trump shared his reaction on TRUTH Social.
“WE HAVE A DEAL FOR THE HOSTAGES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. THEY WILL BE RELEASED SHORTLY. THANK YOU!” Trump said in his first TRUTH Social post.
In a follow-up post, Trump went into more detail:
This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies. I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones.
With this deal in place, my National Security team, through the efforts of Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, will continue to work closely with Israel and our Allies to make sure Gaza NEVER again becomes a terrorist safe haven. We will continue promoting PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH throughout the region, as we build upon the momentum of this ceasefire to further expand the Historic Abraham Accords. This is only the beginning of great things to come for America, and indeed, the World!
We have achieved so much without even being in the White House. Just imagine all of the wonderful things that will happen when I return to the White House, and my Administration is fully confirmed, so they can secure more Victories for the United States!
Outgoing Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed that a cease-fire deal was “on the brink” during a recent CNN interview.
“We’re on the brink” of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, @SecBlinken tells me. “It’ll be on the basis of the plan President Biden put forward in May,” he says, outlining how it will unfold. But a permanent ceasefire “is not sorted,” he adds.
Full interview 1pET @cnni pic.twitter.com/ZYXe50Nfht
— Christiane Amanpour (@amanpour) January 15, 2025
Meanwhile, Trump has repeatedly threatened Hamas that there will be hell to pay if the hostages aren’t released by January 20th — Inauguration Day.
During a recent Fox News sitdown, Vice President-elect JD Vance provided more insight into what that could mean.
“It means enabling the Israelis to knock out the last couple of battalions of Hamas and their leadership. It means very aggressive sanctions and financial penalties on those supporting terrorist organizations in the Middle East. It means actually doing the job of American leadership,” said Vance of Trump’s comments at the end of December.
“We’re hopeful there’s a deal that’s struck toward the very end of the Biden administration, maybe the last day or two,” he said. “But regardless of when that deal is struck, it will be because people are terrified that there are going to be consequences for Hamas.”
BREAKING: JD Vance says what “All hell will break loose” looks like.
“It means enabling the Israelis to knock out… Hamas and their leadership. It means very aggressive sanctions and financial penalties on those who are supporting terrorist organizations in the Middle East.” pic.twitter.com/HcZ9QVui0p
— Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) January 12, 2025
During his Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday, Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio indicated he will take an aggressive stance against Hamas and its supporters.
Sen. Marco Rubio: “If you can not come in because you’re a supporter of Hamas, you should not be able to stay on a visa if you’re a supporter of Hamas … I think that’s just an issue of common sense, and we intend to be very forceful about that.” pic.twitter.com/mc6Ceoe1Aw
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) January 15, 2025
This story is developing…