Illinois Community and Leaders React as Israel and Hamas Exchange Hostages and Prisoners

Israel waged a two-year genocide war to free the prisoners - and still failed spectacularly

For two full years, Israel waged one of the fiercest wars in modern history, a war described as a ‘slow-burn genocide.’ It used all kinds of prohibited weapons and relied on international intelligence agencies, yet failed to achieve its primary goal: recovering its prisoners from Gaza. Since October 7, 2023, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu framed his war on Gaza as a battle for “existence and security,” using the liberation of the pris…

Trump and world leaders sign peace deal; all living Israeli hostages, Palestinian prisoners freed

President Trump boarded Air Force One on Monday after the signing of the peace agreement aimed at ending the Gaza conflict, as well as his historic address to Israel’s parliament, the Knesset. The president is expected back in Washington early Tuesday morning. Hamas released the final group of 20 surviving Israeli hostages taken by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023 as part of an exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The hostages were reunited w…

Gaza ceasefire explained: Hostages freed, Palestinian prisoners released, and the path ahead

After nearly two years of conflict, a fragile calm has settled across Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank. The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, brokered with the mediation of the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, is beginning to show results, with hostages being freed, prisoners released, and humanitarian aid flowing into Gaza.

Hostages and prisoners have been exchanged. What now for Gaza?

There was elation when the hostages were released, but difficult questions remain, including whether Hamas will disarm and who will govern Gaza – highlighting the fragility of an agreement.

'Frustration, sadness and joy, at the same time': Hostages, prisoners freed as Gaza ceasefire takes hold

'I think most of us didn't really sleep last night because we were waiting and waiting and waiting to see the hostages come back home..." said the director of development of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley.

Richmond synagogue reacts to Israeli-Hamas ceasefire, hostages freed

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) – A Richmond synagogue is reacting after hostages held by Hamas and prisoners held by Israel in Gaza were set free. On Monday, Oct. 13, as part of a ceasefire deal brokered by the United States, Israel and Hamas released 20 remaining living hostages and Palestinian prisoners. In Richmond, Keneseth Beth Israel rabbi Dovid Asher said members of the Jewish community are relieved to see loved ones returning home.  "It’s been hel…