Prolonged negotiations test trust, but initial steps signal cautious progress in ending hostilities and addressing humanitarian needs. Three young Israeli women, reportedly alive, are slated to be released today: Emily Damari, Romi Gonen, and Doron Steinbrecher.

Israel's cabinet has approved a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, scheduled to begin on Sunday. Most ministers voted for it, but Ben-Gvir, Smotrich, and Amsalem of the Likud voted against. But there is less certainty whether the deal will ever reach additional stages.

Netanyahu already saying that Hamas is insisting that Israel must waive veto on some high-profile murderers, an issue that may lead to the deal unraveling.

Like Arafat and the PLO before them, the Islamic terror group seems determined to never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity. Still, sources say a deal is still on, but there appears to be some trouble brewing. It may be torture for the hostage families, but it may be for the best to see what Trump's "hell to pay" really means.

The dubious terms of the reported deal undermines the Israeli war effort and paints a dark scenario for the region and for Netanyahu's government.