REPORTER: “Was it pressure from the incoming Trump administration that got [ceasefire deal] over the line?” QATAR PM: “In the past few days seeing a collaboration transcending both administrations was a clear demonstration for the commitment of the U.S. to reach that deal. I would like to thank both the envoys.”

Reporter asks about who get credit for this, “you or Trump?” President Biden: “Is that a joke?”

Good afternoon. It’s a very good afternoon, because at long last I can announce a cease fire. And a hostage deal has been reached between Israel and Hamas.

Housing Minister Yitzchak Goldknopf, leader of the United Torah Judaism party, expressed support for the hostage deal with Hamas, emphasizing that “פיקוח נפש דוחה את כל התורה כולה.”

“We are deeply grateful that there is finally an agreement between Israel and Hamas to bring our loved ones — Omer, Edan, Sagui, Itay, Keith, Gad, and Judi — home. We have been waiting for 467 days while our family members suffer from life-threatening injuries, abuse, torture, and sexual violence. We thank President Biden, President-elect Trump, and their teams for their constructive efforts to make this possible. The tireless collaboration between Israel, Egypt, Qatar, the United States, and other parties was critical in reaching this moment. The coming days and weeks will be just as painful for our families as the entirety of our loved ones’ horrific ordeals.

Egyptian state media reports that efforts are underway to facilitate the opening of the Rafah border crossing for international humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. According to an Egyptian security official, the country is gearing up to send the maximum possible amount of supplies to the Gaza Strip.

Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio delivers his opening statement laying out an America First vision for foreign policy. “The top priority of the United States Department of State must be and will be the United States.”