It is reported that Israel, the United States, and Hamas are close to reaching an agreement to release dozens of women and children held hostage in Gaza. The deal would involve a five-day break in fighting, but despite White House denials, efforts to reach an agreement are ongoing. In the meantime, Israeli bombings on Gaza continue with at least 15 Palestinians reportedly killed in recent hours. The IDF is escalating its activities in Gaza, which has seen attacks on civilian areas as well as schools that serve as refuges for displaced people. The agreement on the release of hostages remains tentative as Hamas is still holding 239 prisoners, and negotiations have not yet produced results.

The establishment of a ceasefire is expected to allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the idea of a complete ceasefire and has faced increasing pressure from the international community. US President Joe Biden has called for the Palestinian National Authority to govern Gaza and the West Bank at the end of the war. He has also ordered sanctions and visa bans to be prepared against extremist Israeli settlers in the West Bank. Despite these efforts, there are additional links in the source that are not related to the content provided.