After 14 months of talks, Trump’s threats and his special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, played a major role in helping Biden officials reach the finish line.

Israel’s government approved a ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas, paving the way for the agreement to take effect Sunday and potentially signalling a new chapter in a bloody 15-month conflict that has enflamed the Middle East.

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is set to begin this morning, with three Israeli hostages to be released from captivity in return for a first group of Palestinian prisoners. If all goes to plan, the ceasefire will begin at 6.30am GMT and the hostage exchange will follow hours later.