Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, released the following statement:

“For over 15 months since the horrific Hamas attacks of October 7, the global Jewish community has been holding its collective breath over the fates of the women, men, and children taken hostage. We are heartened that this agreement appears set to guarantee the release of at least a significant number of those still held captive. 

“After over a year of war that has caused tremendous destruction and suffering, we are also relieved to see the fighting come to a pause. We hope that the second phase of this agreement can ultimately be implemented as well – so that all hostages can be safely returned to their families, the war can fully end, and we can begin to move toward a future that ensures the safety and dignity of both the Israeli and Palestinian people.

“Israelis and Palestinians both deserve the opportunity to live alongside one another in peace and security. Ultimately, only a comprehensive two-state solution can secure a stable and secure future for both peoples. We hope that this ceasefire agreement will be fully implemented, that the war can soon be brought fully to an end, and that responsible leaders on all sides can seriously pursue the path of diplomacy and compromise to achieve a lasting peace.”

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