PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST — After 15 months of war that have killed 47,000 people, laid waste to much of Gaza and triggered political fallout around the world, Israel and Hamas have finally struck a cease-fire deal, according to multiple officials.

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 has said that its cabinet will not meet to approve the ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas, claiming the militant group was creating a "last-minute crisis." Fmr. Spokesperson for the U.