Support the deal to bring hostages home— and hope Israel can defeat Hamas upon their return.

A cease-fire agreement in Gaza will liberate 33 hostages from the clutches of Hamas — what a relief!

The first hostages are expected to be freed within days, with additional releases to follow during the initial phase of the agreement.

This is a dream realized — for the hostages, their families, and their compatriots.

This marks a significant victory for America’s next president, Donald Trump, whose warnings of impending chaos if hostilities continued significantly influenced the outcome.

Credit is also due to the aides of both Trump and Biden, who collaborated to bring this agreement to fruition.

Additionally, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s persistent military pressure on Hamas — despite repeated calls, including from the Biden administration, to de-escalate — played a role in compelling the terrorist organization to agree.

Indeed, the arrangement carries risks: Israel plans to withdraw troops from populated areas in Gaza, alleviating Hamas’ military concerns.

Ultimately, Israel may release over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, including some convicted of serious crimes; this could lead to them rejoining Hamas for further attacks, similar to Yahya Sinwar’s actions following his own release in a prior hostage negotiation.

Moreover, Hamas continues to exist and, although significantly weakened, still wields considerable influence in Gaza.

Even worse, the group is actively recruiting new militants: Secretary of State Antony Blinken reports that newcomers are nearly matching the losses Hamas has incurred.

The primary concern: Phase 2 requires Israeli forces to vacate all of Gaza to facilitate the release of the remaining hostages (in exchange for more Palestinian detainees) as the temporary cease-fire transitions to a permanent one.

Permitting Hamas to not just survive in Gaza but potentially dominate would be disastrous.

President Biden contends that the cease-fire will persist if negotiations surrounding Phase 2 are ongoing when Phase 1 concludes in 42 days.

Fortunately, Joe will be out of office by that time: His approach would allow Hamas to prolong discussions as it fortifies its defenses.

Fortunately, it will be Trump and Netanyahu addressing these matters moving forward.

In truth, this cease-fire is temporary unless Israel agrees to make it permanent: It will (assuming Hamas fighters do not go back on their word) potentially save about half of the remaining hostages alive.

This is a considerable achievement in itself.

Moreover, it keeps the IDF in charge of Gaza’s southern border, significantly curtailing the terrorists’ capacity to resupply while offering hope that Israel will soon recover the remaining hostages, with the option to resume military action thereafter if Hamas does not capitulate.

Let us hope that any final resolution allows the Israeli citizens to finally live in peace and triumph over the butchers once and for all.

And let us celebrate the return of the innocents who are finally coming home.