Saudi Arabia hailed the pending Gaza truce, but insists on “complete withdrawal of the Israeli occupation forces” from the devastated Palestinian territory. Riyadh paused tentative talks on normalising ties with Israel early in the Gaza conflict and hardened its rhetoric as the war continued.

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.

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