Hamas Agrees to Release Hostages, Trump Seeks Gaza Peace Deal

Hamas has agreed to release all Israeli hostages, both alive and deceased, under a peace proposal led by President Donald Trump, marking a significant diplomatic breakthrough in the Israel-Hamas conflict. The plan, unveiled by Trump in September 2025, includes a 72-hour window for the hostages' return following a formal ceasefire and calls for Israel to release Palestinian prisoners in exchange. Despite this progress, Hamas maintains conditions such as Israel's military withdrawal and has not agreed to disarm its fighters, leading to cautious optimism among local Jewish and Palestinian communities. The proposal also involves dismantling Hamas's military infrastructure and establishing an interim technocratic Palestinian authority overseen by an international "Board of Peace" chaired by Trump. While celebrations have occurred in Tel Aviv and Ramallah, skepticism remains until hostages are physically released and long-term governance and security issues are resolved. Community members emphasize the need for peace talks to move forward only after hostages' safe return, highlighting the emotional toll and generational impact of the conflict.