Israel and Hamas agree to a ceasefire agreement, and Florida lawmakers elect their next state Speaker of the House. 

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a pause in their devastating two-year war and the release of the remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners — a breakthrough greeted with joy and relief Thursday but also caution.

Uncertainty remains about aspects of the broader ceasefire plan advanced by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump — such as whether and how Hamas will disarm and who will govern Gaza. But the sides appear closer than they have been in months to ending a war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, reduced much of Gaza to rubble, brought famine to parts of the territory and left dozens of hostages, living and dead, in Gaza.

The war, which began with Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, has also triggered other conflicts in the region, sparked worldwide protests and led to allegations of genocide that Israel denies.

Even with the agreement expected to be finalized later in the day, Israeli strikes continued, with explosions seen Thursday in northern Gaza. At least 11 dead Palestinians and another 49 who were wounded arrived at hospitals over the past 24 hours, Gaza’s Health Ministry said Thursday.

An Israeli military official who spoke on the condition of anonymity in line with military guidelines said Israel was continuing to hit targets that posed a threat to its troops as they reposition.

In the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, celebrations were relatively muted and often colored by grief.

“I am happy and unhappy. We have lost a lot of people and lost loved ones, friends and family. We lost our homes,” said Mohammad Al-Farra. “Despite our happiness, we cannot help but think of what is to come. … The areas we are going back to, or intending to return to, are uninhabitable.”

In Tel Aviv, families of the remaining hostages popped champagne and cried tears of joy after Trump announced a deal late Wednesday.

In Jerusalem on Thursday, Sharon Canot celebrated with some others.

“We are so excited this morning. We cried all morning,” she said. “It’s been two years that we are in horror.”

Under the terms, Hamas intends to release all living hostages in a matter of days, while the Israeli military will begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza, people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details of an agreement that has not fully been made public. Some 20 of the 48 hostages still in captivity are believed to be alive.

In a short video posted by U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Trump was seen speaking by phone to a group of elated hostage families.

“The hostages will come back,” said Trump, who is expected in the region in the coming days. “They are all coming back on Monday.”

Florida Republicans elect a new state House Speaker

The Florida House named State Rep. Sam Garrison its next House Speaker.

Garrison will take the reins in the 2027 and 2028 legislative sessions.

Florida Republicans packed into the Florida House Thursday to elect the chamber’s 91st House speaker in the state’s history.

As speaker, Garrison will essentially serve as the chamber’s shepherd. That means, among other things, he has the power to set agendas, control committees and preside over the floor.

In Florida, speakers serve a two-year term.

Garrison listed Medicaid, prisons and government spending as areas of concern he hoped to address.

“We’re going to wrestle with these sorts of things. At the end of the day, we are going to have a balanced budget that reflects the priorities of Florida. And if ultimately, if we can make it a little better than we had the year before that success,” Garrison said.

Garrison oversees all lawmakers in the House, but he’s also the pointman for the House GOP.

He will help shape and advance their party agenda.