Morning Note

Donald Trump announced the completion of a deal to end the Israel-Hamas War on Wednesday, declaring that the IDF will soon partially withdraw its troops from Gaza and Hamas will release its remaining hostages. The president will likely travel to Israel in the coming days to celebrate.

Hamas released a statement shortly after Trump’s message saying that the war is over. Benjamin Netanyahu did not use the same language in his corresponding X posts.

Israel will also release 250 Palestinians serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 more detained in Gaza since October 7th. Trump’s statement was somewhat cautious, only referring to Wednesday’s development as an agreement on the "first phase."

It’s hard to predict if this deal will lead to a lasting peace. Middle Eastern powers abandoning their pledges is hardly unheard of; just look at the end of the Israel-Iran 12 Day War. With that being said, we hope and pray this agreement really means the conflict is over. There’s been enough bloodshed. The region needs to heal. 

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