(WFSB) - A long-awaited peace agreement between Israel and Hamas has brought both relief and cautious optimism to Connecticut’s Jewish and Palestinian communities after more than two years of fighting and destruction.

The deal, which marks the beginning of the end to the war, includes Hamas agreeing to release the remaining hostages while Israel is set to withdraw its troops to an agreed-upon line.

“There is incredible joy across Israel and across much of the world at the prospect of peace in Israel and the prospect of these hostages coming home,” said David Waren, President and CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford.

There were 48 remaining hostages, with an estimated 20 believed to be alive.

For the Jewish community, Waren said seeing these individuals return home is what they

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