MONTGOMERY, Ala. ( WSFA ) - After nearly two years of fighting in Gaza, world leaders have finalized a peace deal between Israel and Hamas .

The agreement, brokered in Egypt , includes a ceasefire and a large-scale prisoner exchange — freeing the remaining 20 Israeli hostages and nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

President Donald Trump, who was present at the summit, called it “the day people have been hoping, waiting, and striving for.”

At home in Montgomery, faith and political leaders say the development brings relief — and a reminder that peace will take time.

Rabbi Scott Looper, who leads Temple Beth Or, called the deal “progress,” but said history reminds him to remain calm.

“This is not a new issue. So am I hopeful? I’m always hopeful. That’s what being Jewish is, j

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