Overview

• Phase 1 of the 20‑point U.S. plan took effect Thursday, starting a ceasefire and the initial implementation of the Gaza agreement.
• President Trump publicly praised Ambassador Mike Huckabee, calling him “amazing” for his role as the ceasefire began.
• Ambassador Huckabee told Newsmax that Trump personally brokered the deal and deserves full credit, while acknowledging supporting roles by U.S. aides.
• Huckabee said all hostages, living and deceased, are expected to be returned no later than Tuesday, possibly as early as Sunday, with Hamas required to produce everyone at once and with difficulties expected in locating remains.
• Israeli authorities report 20 hostages alive and 28 deceased, and bookmakers have shortened Trump’s Nobel Peace Prize odds ahead of Friday’s announcement in Sweden.