Overview

• Hamas said it would release all hostages, living or dead, if field conditions are met, and indicated readiness for negotiations and a technocratic authority in Gaza.
• Trump cast the statement as progress on his 20‑point Gaza plan and urged Israel to halt strikes to facilitate releases, as some families expressed cautious optimism.
• Multiple nominations and endorsements for Trump came from U.S. lawmakers and foreign leaders, though several arrived after the Jan. 31 deadline and do not affect the 2025 slate.
• Experts emphasize that the Nobel Peace Prize typically recognizes sustained, multilateral peacebuilding and caution that public lobbying could undermine the prize’s independence.
• Fact‑checkers disputed Trump’s claims of ending “six or seven” wars and debunked viral posts alleging his disqualification, with the peace laureate set to be announced Friday.