CLIFTON, N.J. - Palestinian and Israeli Americans in the Tri-State Area are eagerly awaiting the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, which could begin Sunday. Israeli media says the last-minute dispute with Hamas has been resolved,

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.

The father of one of the three Americans still alive in Gaza said he feels “optimistic” for the first time in 15 months following the Israel-Hamas hostage exchange agreement, but he’s doubtful his son will be among the first captives 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.

Fewer than 100 of those kidnapped are believed to still be alive, according to Israeli officials. Edan Alexander's status has not been publicly confirmed, though Hamas did release a video in early December in which he pleaded for Israel to negotiate a deal.

Edan Alexander was seen on video in November and his parents were both pleased to see him alive, but saddened to see him as a captive.

The tentative deal stirred hope for Israeli and American hostages but deep suspicion about bartering with Hamas after the Oct. 7 terror attack.

Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s (D-NJ) gubernatorial campaign accepted an endorsement from Patricia Campos-Medina, a progressive organizer and former Senate candidate who has called to end U.S. aid to Israel and expressed support for anti-Israel campus protests.

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

Karrem Nasr, 24, a U.S. citizen who previously lived in Lawrenceville, pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Southern New York.

Palestinians began arriving in northern Gaza, months after Israel ordered them to flee. The Israel-Hamas truce was holding after it appeared to falter over the weekend.