New negotiations to implement President Donald Trump's ceasefire plan for Gaza are set to begin in Egypt. The White House has dispatched special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, a former Middle East peace envoy and Trump’s son-in-law, to Cairo for discussions on Sunday, local time. Hamas has also sent its negotiators to Egypt, while the Israeli government has indicated it will engage in indirect talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.

The Israeli military has announced a shift from offensive to defensive operations in Gaza. However, reports from civilians and aid workers indicate that Israeli airstrikes continued into Saturday morning, despite Trump's call for Israel to halt its bombing. In Gaza, many civilians expressed relief and hope that the ceasefire might hold.

"I am overjoyed about the ceasefire and hope it endures. We cherish freedom and life. People simply want to live," said Tamer Abad from Deir al-Balah, where many displaced Palestinians are currently sheltering. Another resident, Amer el Kilani, added, "We hope that each of us can return to our homes and cities. The thought of this is overwhelming and fills us with joy. Our people long for freedom and independence."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Trump announced that Israel has agreed to a 20-point U.S. proposal to end the conflict in Gaza. Some individuals expressed gratitude to Hamas for accepting the ceasefire deal, which Trump proposed earlier in the week. Ahmad el Madhoun stated, "We are happy about the ceasefire. Hamas was responsive in a great way. We agree with everyone who hopes that destruction and blood will stop."

The international community has welcomed these developments, hoping to bring an end to the war that began following Hamas's attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed support for the progress on Trump's plan, stating, "Together with our partners, Australia will continue to support efforts to end the war and work towards a just and sustainable two-state solution."

Aid organizations are optimistic that the ceasefire will facilitate the delivery of essential supplies, including food, medicine, and shelter materials, and allow for the rebuilding of infrastructure. Philippe Lazzarrini, the commissioner-general of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), remarked, "There is a welcome and rare momentum to reach a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and pave the way for a long-term solution to end the decades-long conflict."

President Trump acknowledged the efforts of several countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and Türkiye, in persuading Hamas to accept the ceasefire. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated, "As it has done so many times in the past, Hamas has shown it is ready for peace. Thereby, a window of opportunity has opened for permanent peace in our region. It is very important in this respect for Israel to stop its aggression."