Israel-Hamas Ceasefire deal, hostages to be released

On Wednesday, day 467 of the Israel-Hamas war, it was confirmed that a ceasefire deal and hostage release agreement has been reached after more than a year in captivity for the hostages, including Chapel Hill native Keith Samuel Siegel. 

“Hostages are finally coming home—not by chance, but through strength and decisive leadership. President Trump made it clear: act swiftly or face severe consequences,” freshman Congressman Pat Harrigan, NC-10, told the Carolina Journal. “This isn’t just a win for the hostages and their families—it’s a reminder to the world that when America leads with boldness, results will follow. Weakness invites chaos; strength delivers peace and accountability.”

On Oct 7^, during the terrorist attack on Israel, 253 hostages were taken by Hamas, among them Keith and his wife, Aviva.  She was held in captivity for 51 days before being released, but Keith has remained in captivity along with 100 other hostages.

“Today, after many months of intensive diplomacy by the United States, along with Egypt and Qatar, Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire and hostage deal,” said President Biden in a statement. “This deal will halt the fighting in Gaza, surge much needed-humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, and reunite the hostages with their families after more than 15 months in captivity.”

In a Truth Social post, President-elect Donald Trump announced that a deal had been made and that the hostages would be released shortly. 

“This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies,” wrote Trump. “I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones.”

Thirty-three hostages will be released over a 42-day period, with three released on the first day, following weekly releases of the hostages, reported Fox News.  Women, children, and men over 50 will be prioritized for initial releases, meaning that 65-year-old Siegel should be among the first to be released.  

“We are extremely hopeful that North Carolinian Keith Siegel will soon be home with Aviva and the rest of his family,” said Sen. Ted Budd, R-NC, in an X post. “We continue to work and pray that the first phase of the agreement is fully implemented, and that the remainder of the hostages are released soon after.”

I’m encouraged by reports that Hamas has agreed to release hostages.

We must keep up the pressure until ALL hostages are released and returned to their families.

— Senator Ted Budd (@SenTedBuddNC) January 15, 2025

“Even as we welcome this news, we remember all the families whose loved ones were killed in Hamas’s October 7th attack, and the many innocent people killed in the war that followed,” continued Biden. “It is long past time for the fighting to end and the work of building peace and security to begin. I am also if thinking of the American families, three of whom have living hostages in Gaza and four awaiting return of remains after what has been the most horrible ordeal imaginable. Under this deal, we are determined to bring all of them home.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement that final details were still being resolved, but he hoped they would be finalized by Wednesday night. 

“Under the plan, Israel will withdraw its forces eastward from densely populated areas of Gaza, according to a portion of the deal shared by Hamas and written in English,” according to a report by NBC News. In exchange for the hostage release, 100 Palestinian prisoners with life sentences are to be released.

“Israel will also release 1,000 Palestinian prisoners who were not involved in the Oct. 7 attacks, the text says, and an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners will also be released abroad or in Gaza,” reports NBC.

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