RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - A significant step in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas unfolded today as 20 living hostages held by Hamas were released, alongside hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

This exchange marks the initial phase of a peace plan and comes as a ceasefire agreement has been solidified, offering a moment of both celebration and wary optimism for those on both sides of the deeply entrenched conflict.

Samuel Asher, Director of the Virginia Holocaust Museum, described the day as a “great day for the people of Israel.”

“Israel’s national anthem is called ‘The Hope’ and Israelis are dancing in the streets right now in the hope that this will be the end of the war and that all of the parts will fall into place,” Asher said.

Sereen Haddad, a pro-Palestin

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