Trump says Israel and Hamas have agreed to first phase of deal

International Relations & Diplomacy - A ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas is potentially in progress, with the first phase agreed upon [1] - The deal includes the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli troops behind an agreed-upon line [1] - A 72-hour clock for the release of living hostages will begin once the Israeli cabinet approves the deal [1] - European, Arab, and other states are meeting in Paris to discuss Gaza's post-war transition, in parallel with indirect talks between Israel and Hamas in Egypt [1] - The US will have representation at the Paris meeting, although Secretary of State Marco Rubio will not attend [1] US Domestic Policy & Politics - The US government shutdown is ongoing, with Congress deadlocked over a funding plan [1] - The Senate failed to advance funding bills for the sixth time [1] - House Speaker Mike Johnson has kept Republican lawmakers home and won't call them back to vote on a separate bill to pay members of the military amid the shutdown [1] - President Trump supports a standalone bill to pay service members [1] - 500 National Guard troops have been sent to the Chicago area for an initial period of 60 days, including 200 from Texas and 300 from Illinois [9]