NIF CEO: “This moment is cause for great hope, but the story does not end here.”

We have waited every day for over two years for this announcement. The news of an impending ceasefire and hostage return has, at long last, provided a desperately needed breath of fresh air—for the families waiting for a return of their loved ones, for Palestinians in Gaza in desperate need of aid, and for those of us who have ached every day at seeing the needless destruction wrought by this terrible war. 

But while this moment is cause for great hope, the story cannot end here. There is still so much work to do to weaken the grip of extremism and support the voices of those who seek an enduring diplomatic solution. Because without that, we will end up back where we started. In order to build a future of dignity for Israelis and Palestinians alike, all parties must seize this opportunity to lay the groundwork for a just and lasting peace.