Welcome to meet the press now. I'm Kristen Welker in Washington, and we begin today with the

major breakthrough in the war in the Middle East. President Trump announcing Israel and Tamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace deal that would stop the fighting in the war in the Middle East. President Trump announcing Israel and

Damas have agreed to the first phase of a peace deal that would stop the fighting in the Gaza

strip and release all remaining hostages living and deceased, potentially as soon as Monday

or Tuesday. Moments ago, President Trump hosted the president of Finland in the Oval Office

taking a victory lap on the deal.

I think it's going to be a day of great celebration.

There's, I've never seen anything like it, the streets of so many countries right now.

They're just roaring with love and with praise for the people that did this.

And these are countries that did this.

The whole world came together for this, even Iran.

It follows the president's meeting with his cabinet earlier today,

where he celebrated phase one of the deal and what it could mean for the entire region.

As you know, last night, we reached a momentous breakthrough in the Middle East, something that people said was never going to be done.

We ended the war in Gaza and really, on a much bigger basis, created peace.

And I think it's going to be a lasting peace, hopefully an everlasting peace.

So we look forward to welcoming the hostages like you can't believe, home to their families,

and that'll take place early next week. We hope Monday or Tuesday. And all Americans should be

proud of the role that our country has played in bringing this terrible conflict to an end.

In Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu met with his security cabinet to discuss the details.

In Israeli government spokesperson says the ceasefire will go into effect once the wider government

convenes and approves the deal.

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