Former secretaries of state Hillary Clinton and Condoleezza Rice praised the Trump administration’s Middle East breakthrough while urging caution as its first phase unfolds. In a CBS News interview, they lauded a deal in which Hamas will release remaining Oct. 7 hostages and Israel begins a phased pullback from parts of Gaza, part of Mr. Trump’s 20-point plan. Both warned success isn’t assured, citing the need for coordination, Palestinian governance reform, and a halt to West Bank settlement activity. The agreement could return hostages early next week, but control of Gaza and the timetable for withdrawals remain unresolved.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.