The Government of Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire, with hostages to be released and humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, potentially ending the 15-month conflict. Following extensive negotiations, a truce between the parties has been established in alignment with the framework previously presented by the US in May.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday said normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia is ready to go, but requires following through on ending the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip and a commitment to a pathway to a Palestinian state.

Israel’s national security minister Ben Gvir claimed he has repeatedly foiled a hostage and ceasefire deal with Hamas over the past year as he threatened to quit the Benjamin Netanyahu cabinet over a fresh deal being brokered by the US.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is tapping the brakes on claims of success by President Biden, President-elect Trump and partners in the Middle East that a ceasefire and hostage release

Shafrir notes that Israel's risk premium is still at high levels: "Israel's risk premium has already fallen sharply since the beginning of November (against expectations at the time for an end to the war in Lebanon), but it is still high - on the international market, Israel's bonds are still traded similarly to companies with a BBB minus rating."

Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip whilst Israel insists details are still being finalised

Saudi Arabia hailed the ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war on Wednesday, calling for the end of "Israeli aggression" in Gaza following 15 months of conflict.

We must ensure that Hamas is unable to rule the Gaza Strip and that the Palestinian Authority, after its reform, takes over the rule of the Strip,’

Saudi Arabia brings out the worst in the world of international sports in terms of politics and greed. FIFA’s awarding Saudi Arabia the 2034 World Cup hosting rights is just the tip of the iceberg.

Sharaa, who led Islamist rebel group that toppled regime, urges sanctions relief, as West moves to provide humanitarian essentials while demanding inclusive government

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the UAE have expressed support for the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, calling for the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the return of displaced Palestinians, and unhindered humanitarian aid to Gaza.