Ali Al-Ansari, media attache to the Qatari Embassy to the United States, told Newsweek his nation "appreciates the important role and positive impact of President Trump and his administration, particularly the efforts of his special envoy Steve Witkoff, in finalizing the agreement."

Behind-the-scenes manoeuvrings by the Reagan campaign and Team Trump clinched deals in the eleventh hour, showing Jimmy Carter and Joe Biden in a poor light

This will be the fourth hostage release since the ceasefire deal was agreed on 19 January, with more Palestinian prisoners expected to be freed.