Israel and Hamas are taking the next steps in a Gaza ceasefire agreement by freeing prisoners and hostages, The Associated Press reported Monday.

Washington Rep. Adam Smith called it a major positive development but stressed that planning is needed to prevent another conflict.

“The overarching issue is there has to be a future built for the Palestinian people,” Smith said on “Seattle’s Morning News” on KIRO Newsradio.

He said the first step is creating an alternative governing structure for Hamas.

“For that to happen, number one, President Trump and the U.S. have to stay engaged and keep the pressure on all parties. Number two, Prime Minister Netanyahu has to do what he has not done for the last 15 years, and that is support an alternative to Hamas, give the Palestinian people so

See Full Page