WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump successfully brokered a cease-fire deal between Israel and the Hamas terrorist group, seen by many observers as a groundbreaking chance to end the two-year conflict and establish lasting peace in the Middle East.
Following days of negotiations in the Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh, Hamas signed an agreement on Oct. 9 to release all 48 hostages—living and deceased—held in Gaza. It is estimated that about 20 hostages remain alive.
Since it attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas has used Israeli hostages as leverage in negotiations with Israel. In previous peace negotiations, the group had agreed to only partial releases. Its decision to release all hostages now is a significant breakthrough in the peace process, fueling optimism that a lasting peace in the region may finally be possible….