JERUSALEM — President Trump addressed Israel’s parliament, Knesset, on Monday following the release of all 20 of the surviving hostages previously held by Hamas.
The hostage release is part of phase one of the U.S.-brokered peace deal between Israel and Hamas that has ended the two years of war that pummeled the Gaza Strip. The deal aims to pave a path to peace in the Middle East. Later in the day, Trump will head to Egypt to join a Middle East peace summit.
News10NBC TODAY was live outside the Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester with the latest on the rollout of the peace deal. You can see Trump’s remarks in this YouTube video from The Associated Press.
Local reaction to peace plan
Last week, local groups shared their reaction to the U.S.-brokered agreement between Israel and Hamas to stop the war in Gaza. News10NBC is working to get reaction to the release of the hostages on Monday.
Rabbi Peter Stein from Temple B’rith Kodesh in Brighton said he hopes the agreement will lead to a lasting peace in the region, where everyone can “live safely and securely, with dignity and opportunity.” In exchange for the hostages, Israel has agreed to release Palestinian prisoners and withdraw its military from the majority of Gaza.
Here is the full statement from Rabbi Stein:
“It is definitely a hopeful moment. Especially after we passed the two year anniversary, it has been so painful knowing that there are still so many hostages being held and so much violence happening. I hope that we will see this come to completion very soon and the families will be reunited with their loved ones. And my ultimate hope is that this will lead to a real and lasting peace, where everyone in the region can live safely and securely, with dignity and opportunity.”
The Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester, which has been calling for the release of the hostages, shared this statement on Thursday:
“Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester welcomes the news that Israel and Hamas have agreed to enter the first phase of a ceasefire and hostage-exchange plan — a hopeful opening for deeper confidence-building measures and, ultimately, a lasting peace.”
“For two years, we have stood with the families of the captives—praying, rallying, speaking their names, and refusing to let the world forget. Throughout this harrowing chapter, the resilience of the Israeli people—and of Jewish communities worldwide—has inspired us all.”
“As we await further details of this agreement ensuring the safe return of every last hostage, we look forward with hope to a new era of healing, recovery, and rebuilding. We look forward to the full implementation of the deal and the safe return of every remaining hostage. Am Yisrael Chai.”
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