Israel–Hamas Ceasefire and Hostage Deal

After Israel said it had recovered the remains of the final hostage and completed the exchanges, the U.N. pressed Israel and Hamas to clarify plans for reopening the Rafah crossing and for moving to phase two of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. Israel says Rafah will reopen "for pedestrian passage only, subject to a full Israeli inspection mechanism," while Hamas and Egypt demand an immediate unrestricted two-way opening; the U.N. is seeking clarity on whether humanitarian and private cargo will be allowed as trucks remain queued and Ali Shaath said the crossing could open this week. Israeli leaders and some U.S. backers publicly credited former President Trump and others for their role in securing the returns.