Trump Announces Houthi Ceasefire, Gaza Hostage Count Drops to 21 from 59

Israeli officials were taken by surprise by U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a ceasefire agreement with Yemen's Houthi rebels, as they were not informed in advance. The agreement, brokered through Omani mediation, does not include a guarantee that the Houthis will stop their attacks on Israel, despite their recent airstrikes on Ben Gurion airport. Trump's decision to halt U.S. military strikes against the Houthis was met with skepticism from Republican lawmakers, who expressed concerns about the implications for Israel's security. The ceasefire was announced after the Houthis indicated they no longer wished to engage in conflict with the U.S., and was negotiated by Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff. In a separate development, Trump announced from the Oval Office that the number of living hostages held by Hamas in Gaza has decreased to 21, down from a previously reported 24, following the deaths of 3 hostages. This statement has caused alarm among the families of the hostages, who are demanding more information from the Israeli government about the status of the 59 hostages held by Hamas.