Just before an Israel-Hamas ceasefire took effect, senior U.S. officials detailed the months of talks behind President Trump’s 20-point plan. Israeli pullbacks started a 72-hour clock for Hamas to free all remaining Israeli hostages, while Israel would release dozens of Palestinian prisoners and let aid into Gaza; some Palestinians were seen returning to northern Gaza. The timeline spans an Egypt-Qatar proposal, meetings with Qatar, Turkey and Egypt, Netanyahu’s apology to Qatar, and Sharm El Sheikh breakthroughs, including agreement to release 20 living hostages, before Trump announced the deal. Officials say implementation now proceeds, with risks still present.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.