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.

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.

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.

Hamas Military Wing via Social Media Edan Alexander, a 20-year-old from New Jersey, is also believed to be alive — but is unlikely to be released until the second phase of the cease-fire deal.

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire and hostage deal, potentially ending the conflict between the two after 15 devastating months; below are

PATERSON, N.J. — 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 ...

The losses suffered in the Palestinian American community have been immense. They felt the ceasefire should have happened sooner.

American families of Israeli hostages being held in Gaza have been in contact with negotiators as a draft deal for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages has been agreed to in principle​, CBS News has learned.

Hamas remains the dominant Palestinian power in Gaza even after 15 months of Israeli bombardment, holding sway in displacement camps and refusing to surrender.