Palestinian and Israeli Americans in the Tri-State Area are eagerly awaiting word that the Israel-Hamas ceasefire will begin Sunday.

The father of a New Jersey native who is being held hostage by Hamas is hopeful about the ceasefire deal announced Wednesday, even though he says his son will not be among the first wave of those released.

The father of one of the three Americans still alive in Gaza said he feels “optimistic” for the first time in 15 months following the Israel-Hamas hostage exchange agreement, but he’s doubtful his son will be among the first captives released.

There is a sense of optimism among members of the Palestinian community in New Jersey that a peace settlement will begin this weekend, despite delays to the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Edan Alexander, an IDF soldier raised in New Jersey, is among a group of seven Americans held by Hamas, and he is not expected to be released during the initial phase. “The message is really simple.

Fewer than 100 of those kidnapped are believed to still be alive, according to Israeli officials. Edan Alexander's status has not been publicly confirmed, though Hamas did release a video in early December in which he pleaded for Israel to negotiate a deal.

We also want to caution that diplomacy doesn't end with the signing of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, said a member of J Street.

The tentative deal stirred hope for Israeli and American hostages but deep suspicion about bartering with Hamas after the Oct. 7 terror attack.

Attorneys general from 22 states have sued to block President Donald Trump’s move to end a century-old immigration policy known as birthright citizenship guaranteeing that U.S.

Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s (D-NJ) gubernatorial campaign accepted an endorsement from Patricia Campos-Medina, a progressive organizer and former Senate candidate who has called to end U.S. aid to Israel and expressed support for anti-Israel campus protests.

U.S. President Donald Trump told global business leaders on Thursday they should manufacture products in the United States to avoid import tariffs and enjoy low tax rates.

The hostages were released in a staged handover that saw them surrounded by Hamas gunmen and crowds of civilians.