President Donald Trump announced an agreement between Israel and Hamas that will release the hostages. (Leon Neal/Getty; Ahmad Gharabli/AFP via Getty)
"BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!" he posted.
According to Israeli officials, the living hostages are expected to be released in a single phase within 72 hours. The return of the bodies of deceased hostages will take longer, but Israel insists on their inclusion in the deal.
Trump warned that if Hamas did not agree to the deal, Israel would have the full backing of the U.S. to carry out its operational plans in Gaza.
Moments before the president's announcement, photos emerged from the negotiation room in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, showing senior officials embracing and shaking hands as reports indicated significant progress toward a hostage release deal. Retired Israeli Defense Forces Major General Nitzan Alon was seen shaking hands with Qatar’s prime minister, with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff in the background.
TRUMP UNVEILS 20-POINT PLAN TO SECURE PEACE IN GAZA, INCLUDING GRANTING SOME HAMAS MEMBERS 'AMNESTY'
On the other side, Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya and other senior officials appeared smiling.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement, "With God’s help, we will bring them all home."
Netanyahu added in a statement in Hebrew, translated: "A great day for Israel. Tomorrow I will convene the government to approve the agreement and bring all our dear hostages home. I thank the heroic soldiers of the IDF and all the security forces — thanks to their courage and sacrifice we have reached this day. I thank from the bottom of my heart President Trump and his team for mobilizing for this sacred mission of freeing our hostages. With God’s help, together we will continue to achieve all our objectives and expand peace with our neighbors."
The government shutdown is expected to cost taxpayers $400 million a day to pay furloughed federal employees, according to Congressional Budget Office data. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Lawmakers voted deep into the night Thursday on the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which advanced on a largely bipartisan vote. But the $925 billion package, which authorizes funding for the Pentagon, effectively was the last hurrah for the week in the upper chamber.
While there was discussion of putting the House GOP’s continuing resolution (CR), along with congressional Democrats’ counter-proposal, on the floor for one last vote, the plan never came to fruition. Both likely would have failed for an eighth consecutive time.
The president has slammed Democratic leaders for shutting down the government amid one of "the most successful economies."
Former FBI Director James Comey is drawn in a courtroom sketch during his Oct. 8, 2025, arraignment in Virginia. (Federal Court, sketch artist Dana Verkouteren)
Comey’s trial is set to begin Jan. 5, 2026.
GRAND JURY INDICTS NY AG LETITIA JAMES ON BANK FRAUD CHARGES IN VIRGINIA FEDERAL COURT
And Thursday evening, New York Attorney General Letitia James was indicted for mortgage fraud.
New York Attorney General Letitia James was indicted for mortgage fraud Oct. 9, 2025. (Michael M. Santiago)
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Lindsey Halligan, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, said James faces up to 30 years in prison per count, up to a $1 million fine on each count and forfeiture if she's convicted.
"No one is above the law. The charges as alleged in this case represent intentional, criminal acts and tremendous breaches of the public’s trust," Halligan said. "The facts and the law in this case are clear, and we will continue following them to ensure that justice is served."
Brooke Singman is a political correspondent and reporter for Fox News Digital, Fox News Channel and FOX Business.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trumps-week-review-president-secures-historic-peace-deal-bring-hostages-home-shutdown-continues