Trump announced late Wednesday that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the "first phase" of a peace plan he brokered to pause the fighting and release at least some hostages and prisoners, hopefully by Monday.
Trump wrote on social media, "This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace."
The terrorist organization will reportedly release all 20 living hostages in exchange for Palestinian terrorist prisoners, and the Israeli military will begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza.
During an interview on the Fox News Channel Huckabee expressed confidence that Hamas will hold up its end of the deal.
"I think most of us are very optimistic. We believe we're on the right path. If something goes sideways, it's going to be a surprise to everyone because this right now looks like a done deal."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on social media, “With God’s help we will bring them all home.”
Huckabee acknowledges it will be a long road ahead for the returning hostages.
“When they come out, they're going to have to have medical treatment. There will be an enormous level of just dealing with the post-traumatic problems they'll face psychologically from being caged. But I will say this, the Israelis are the most resilient and resolved people I think I've ever known. They will come through it, and they will live to fight another day and stand on their feet. And the world will celebrate their homecoming."
Thousands of observant Jews have streamed into Jerusalem’s old city to mark the holiday of Sukkot at the Wall, with extra rejoicing for the upcoming release of the hostages in Gaza.
“God is making miracles, we know from the past. But today we saw it,” said Avi Kozman, who was holding Sukkot’s traditional palm branch after receiving the Priestly Blessing, or Birkat Kohanim.
Sukkot explicitly encourages Jews to rejoice, many in the jubilant crowds that broke into spontaneous dancing by Jerusalem’s old walls saw divine intervention in the timing of the announcement.
“We always see his hand in the salvation he gives us,” said Hindel Berman as she returned from prayer with her son. The New Jersey resident had come to Jerusalem to mark Sukkot.
