Steve Witkoff

was, quote, super supportive.

Michelle Kellerman, NPR News, Washington.

NPR can't independently confirm the authenticity of the mid-October call leaked and published by Bloomberg, but in the call, Witkoff expresses his, quote, deep respect for Putin.

He instructs the advisor to tell Putin to call President Trump and flatter him over his recent Mideast peace deal.

Ukrainian parliamentarian Oleksandr Merezko believes Witkoff should have been replaced after an interview with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson highlighted his lack of knowledge about Ukraine and the conflict.

Eleanor Beardsley, NPR News, Kiev.

Tonight, we celebrate something extraordinary, a moment that many thought was impossible.

Yet here we stand, living proof that when courage meets conviction, miracles can happen.

A peace born not out of politics, but out of courage.

The courage of those who refuse to give up hope.

A massive crowd filled Tel Aviv's Hostage Square, the plaza where there's been a vigil throughout the war for Israeli captives in Gaza.

The featured speaker was Steve Witkoff, the U.S.

envoy who helped negotiate the truce.

When Witkoff mentioned President Trump, the crowd cheered wildly.

When he mentioned Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu, the crowd booed long and hard.

On Monday, Hamas must release 20 hostages believed to be alive, as well as 28 dead hostages.

In turn, Israel must free the Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

Greg Myhre, NPR News, Tel Aviv.