Locals react to release of Israeli hostages

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — After more than two years, there’s a sense of relief for many as Hamas released 20 surviving hostages Monday morning.

Dan Pritsker is a member of the Jewish community in San Diego who has advocated for the release of the hostages.

“I can say that Donald Trump is the most popular person in Israel right now,” he said. “They love him and what he did to help the country.”

Palestinians also celebrating the release of about 2,000 prisoners by Israel as part of the Gaza ceasefire deal.

Isreali prime minister Benjamin Netanyahi called the deal” a diplomatic success and national and moral victory.“

Hamas said the agreement “provides for an end to the war in Gaza.”

“We want to move forward,” Pritsker said.

The war has left most of Gaza destroyed and hundreds of thousands displaced.  

The release of 20 hostages is a promising start for many Israelis but part of the deal calls for Hamas to release the bodies of 28 deceased hostages.

As of Monday, only four bodies have been released.

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