Connecticut officials and organizations responded to news of a potential Israel-Hamas ceasefire with a mix of reactions.
After three days of emotional back and forth, Israel has approved a ceasefire deal with Hamas. This would pause fighting in Gaza and allow hostages to be released.
Chen, who has familial ties to Bloomfield, is set to be released along with Keith Siegel, another American, as part of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire.
2023 Hamas attack that triggered it. Get top local stories in Connecticut delivered to you every morning. Sign up for NBC Connecticut's News Headlines newsletter. The names of the three hostages ...
A man who grew up in Bloomfield and another American are expected to be released as part of the first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal that emerged Wednesday after being held for 15 months
About 90 Palestinians imprisoned in Israel were also freed Sunday as part of a hostage and prisoner exchange, due to last for weeks, between Israel and Hamas. The ceasefire has raised hopes the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, where almost 47,000 Palestinians have been killed and the enclave has been reduced to ruins, could be brought to an end.
The ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas sparked a glimmer of hope for a family with ties to Connecticut.
On January 11, Witkoff flew to Israel, securing a meeting with Netanyahu. McGurk called in from Doha. Netanyahu agreed to send the heads of Israeli intelligence and internal security back to Doha for negotiations, which mostly took place in the Qatari prime minister’s private office.
Three hostages have been handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross, according to NBC News’ crew in Gaza, and will be making their way to Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said early Sunday that the ceasefire in Gaza will not begin until Hamas provides the names of the three hostages it is set to release later on Sunday.
Celebrations erupted across the war-ravaged territory and some Palestinians began returning to their homes despite the delay.