Some positive news for a change coming in overnight
Hamas confirms Gaza peace deal
We have now heard from Hamas, which says in a statement that a deal has been reached to end the war in Gaza.
Hamas is also calling on Trump and the involved countries to compel Israel to fully follow the deal.
Netanyahu: 'Great day for Israel'
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has just released another statement, calling Hamas and Israel's agreement to the first phase of a Gaza peace deal "a great day for Israel".
He says he will convene Israel's government tomorrow to approve the agreement and "bring all our dear hostages home".
He goes on to thank Israeli troops and US President Donald Trump and his team "for their mobilization for this sacred mission of releasing our hostages".
Lets hope the plan stays on track and the people of Israel and Gaza can put this nightmare behind them. We all know how fragile peace can be in that region but at least there is a glimmer of hope that they may now be able to peacefully co-exist.
Seems by all accounts Trump finally lost patience with Netanyahu, the killing of Hamas negotiators in a neutral country, Qatar, seems to have been the thing that spurred him into action. There's reports from Trumps recent meeting with Netanyahu, behind closed doors, of an expletive laden rant from Trump demanding the war be ended now or else.
No doubt helped by increasing pressure and mounting public protests, led by the families of the remaining hostages, back in Israel that Netanyahu was more interested in continuing the war that achieving their release.
In some ways reminiscent of Regan's call with Begin and the realisation that he had the power to force an end to Israel's actions.
Long way to go of course, you can't help but feel there will be people on both sides waiting for the slightest excuse to throw the deal aside but lets hope that isn't the case and we can finally see all civilians on both sides released and aid allowed in to Gaza.