VFI News Israel Makes Major Progress Toward Gaza Ceasefire-Hostage Deal

Will Israel and Hamas finally agree to a ceasefire after months of war and failed negotiations? In this special VFI News report, Barry Segal unpacks the latest developments in the Gaza ceasefire talks, including Donald Trump’s renewed push for a truce, Hamas’ demands for a full IDF withdrawal, and growing pressure from within Israeli society.

With over 75% of Israelis now favoring a deal to bring hostages home, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Meanwhile, Iran is threatening retaliation over an alleged Israeli airstrike targeting President Masoud Pezeshkian, and tensions remain high across multiple fronts — from Hezbollah in the north to the Houthis in the Red Sea.

As Israel faces rising economic costs, reserve fatigue, and political pressure from coalition leaders like Ben Gvir and Smotrich, the question remains: is a long-term ceasefire truly within reach, or is this just the calm before another storm?

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Israel has made "significant progress" in the hostage-ceasefire negotiations, several sources reported on Thursday.

The update came shortly after Israel's submission of updated maps to mediators regarding its military deployment in Gaza during the 60-day hostage deal framework.

However, "at least a few more days of discussions will be needed to reach a final agreement," the sources added.

Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States also expressed optimism, saying the sides may be on the verge of a new agreement that would include the release of 10 Israeli hostages in exchange for a two-month ceasefire.

One mediator described Israel’s new map as "a breakthrough."

The mediators estimate that Hamas will likely have only "minor" comments, both regarding the release of prisoners and the details of the new Israeli deployment map. (JPost/VFI News)

"The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace." – Psalm 29:11

An Iranian official told the Qatari Al-Jazeera channel that the assassination attempt on Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian will not be allowed to pass without Israel paying a price for it.

He announced that a wide-ranging investigation has been opened regarding the assassination attempt that was carried out during Operation Rising Lion, within which suspicion of collaboration by accomplices who assisted in its execution is being examined.

The official further added that the assassination attempt on Pezeshkian is part of a broader Israeli plan aimed at overthrowing the regime in Iran.

This morning, the Iranian news agency Fars, affiliated with the IRGC, reported that Pezeshkian was lightly injured in his leg during an Israeli attack during Operation Rising Lion.

According to the report, the attack was carried out on June 16 towards a building in western Tehran, while a meeting of the Supreme National Security Council was taking place on one of its lower floors. Six bombs were aimed at the entry and exit points of the building.

The report noted that the nature of the operation was very similar to the way Hezbollah Secretary General Nasrallah was eliminated. Following the explosions, the electricity to the floor where the council meeting was held was cut off, but the attendees managed to exit through an emergency exit. (INN/VFI News)

"No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn." – Isaiah 54:17

A large-scale civil lawsuit was filed in court on Sunday, accusing the Palestinian Authority of direct responsibility for the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks.

The suit, seeking approximately one billion shekels in compensation, was submitted on behalf of around 200 plaintiffs — the heirs of victims murdered at the Nova music festival and other locations in the Gaza envelope.

This is among the most significant lawsuits ever brought against the Palestinian Authority, both in terms of the number of plaintiffs and the financial scope. Attached to the case are detailed profiles of each victim, providing a personal and emotional dimension alongside the legal arguments.

The case is being led by attorneys Yossi Ashkenazi and Roy Schöndorf of the Herzog law firm. They emphasized that, should the court rule in favor of the plaintiffs, the compensation would likely be drawn from funds previously seized from the Palestinian Authority. These funds — estimated at 3 billion shekels — were frozen by the Israeli government following the October 7 massacre.

The plaintiffs argue that the Palestinian Authority bears legal and moral responsibility, due to its long-standing policy of incentivizing terrorism through direct payments and incitement. The lawsuit includes extensive evidence of connections between the PA and terrorist groups involved in the attack, including financial transfers, institutional incitement in education and media, and public and legal support for the families of terrorists. (INN/VFI News)

“Lord, we ask for justice and comfort for the families of those lost in the horrific attacks. May Your truth prevail in the courts, and may those who fund and support terrorism be held accountable. We pray for an end to all incitement and bloodshed, in Yeshua’s name.”

Over the past two weeks, guided by IDF intelligence and the ISA, the IDF struck and eliminated a series of commanders in various units in Hamas' military wing and the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization. The units operated to rebuild the terrorist organizations' military capabilities, including the Weapons Production Headquarters and the Military Intelligence Unit.

Hamas' Weapons Production Headquarters operates to restore and expand its weapons arsenal. At the same time, the Military Intelligence Unit provides intelligence through various means to maintain the operational control of Hamas’ military wing in the Gaza Strip and to advance terrorist activities against Israel.

The IDF is acting to prevent the terrorist organizations' attempts to reestablish their military capabilities. As part of this effort, the IDF is pursuing the commanders responsible for carrying out concrete actions aimed at rebuilding these terrorist organizations and will continue to operate to eliminate them. (INN/VFI News)

“Heavenly Father, we thank You for guiding Israel's defenders. Please continue to protect them and give them success in neutralizing threats against innocent civilians. May Your peace reign in the region.”

Join Batya Segal for this week’s Parasha where she talks about the Zeal of the Lord and his dealings with the priest-hood. This week's Parasha is from the book of Numbers 25:10-30:1.

One month after launching the Property Tax Fund for damages incurred during Operation Rising Lion, the Tax Authority has released comprehensive data on compensation claims submitted since June 13.

According to the figures, a total of 49,943 claims have been filed so far for various types of property damage:

• 39,093 for structural/building damage
• 5,052 for vehicle damage
• 5,609 for damage to contents, equipment, and business inventory

Of these claims, 29,117 were submitted by private individuals, and 18,075 were submitted by businesses. The remaining claims came from public institutions and apartment associations.

So far, 4,398 claims have resulted in finalized appraisals, and either full compensation or advance payments have been issued. To date, the Tax Authority has paid out a total of approximately 305 million shekels in compensation.

The cities reporting the highest number of claims include Tel Aviv-Yafo, Ramat Gan, Rehovot, and others. (INN/VFI News)

"The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth." – Psalm 145:18

A new bill introduced by Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) seeks to formally designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), a move that could financially cripple the global Islamist group.

The "Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act of 2025" takes a new "bottom-up" approach to overcome past legislative failures, focusing on the group's violent branches worldwide.

The legislation would direct the Secretary of State to catalog Muslim Brotherhood branches that are designated as terrorist groups and designate additional ones that meet relevant criteria, mandating the designation of the global Muslim Brotherhood for its support to those terrorist groups.

Once the bill is formally filed, it is expected to gain broad support from majorities in both the House and Senate. (INN/VFI News)

Mohammed Nasser Ali Qanita, the terrorist who held Emily Damari hostage, was killed by security forces in mid-June, the IDF and the Shin Bet announced in a joint statement.

On June 19, the IDF and the Shin Bet targeted and killed the terrorist in the area of Gaza City.

Qanita was a member of Hamas’s military intelligence Al-Furqan Battalion. He had infiltrated Israel on October 7 and held Damari hostage in his home at the start of the war.

Damari, a British Israeli citizen, was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023, from her home in Kfar Aza along with Gali Berman. Hamas also abducted Gali’s twin brother, Ziv. The two brothers are still being held in Hamas captivity. (JPost/VFI News)

“Lord, we thank You for justice against those who have committed atrocities. We pray for the swift return of all remaining hostages and comfort for their families. May Your peace and healing reach every heart broken by this war.”

WASHINGTON — A war cry rippled out among demonstrators against Israel's military, the Israel Defense Forces, outside the White House this week: "Death, death to the IDF!"

Despite demanding a ceasefire, their messaging made one thing clear: they aren’t satisfied with a ceasefire. They want the end of the state of Israel.

A coalition of 40 organizations — many self-identified as socialist, Marxist, or Islamist — organized the "Noise Out" protests. Demonstrators held signs with Hamas symbols, waved Palestinian flags, and chanted slogans promoting intifada and the destruction of Israel.

Among the groups involved were CodePink, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), and Democratic Socialists of America. Protesters called for the U.S. to end support for Israel, demanding a "right of return" for millions of Palestinians, which would erase Israel's Jewish identity.

Some groups at the protest have known financial ties to foreign regimes. The FBI arrested two protest leaders last year for vandalism and property destruction. (NYP/VFI News)

“Abba, we ask for Your continued protection over Israel and Your people in the diaspora. May truth and justice prevail over lies and hatred. Guard hearts from extremism and bring unity and peace in a world torn by deception.”

The suggestions, opinions, and scripture references made by VFI News writers and editors are based on the best information received.

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