The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is set to begin on Sunday, pausing the devastating 15-month war between Israel and the militant Hamas group in the Gaza Strip.

At around 10:30 a.m. local time, Hamas released the names of the three Israeli hostages it planned to release, fulfilling the final requirement of the ceasefire.

As news of the breakthrough surfaced, stakeholders from politicians to families of hostages kidnapped at the start of the war breathed a sigh of relief that the long, violent and acrimonious

New Yorkers from all backgrounds are responding to the ceasefire announced in the Middle East on Wednesday, which includes the phased release of the remaining hostages held captive since the Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attacks and an end to 15 months of war and a seemingly endless humanitarian crisis.