On January 19, families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas gathered in Washington D.C. to thank incoming U.S. President Donald Trump for helping secure a ceasefire but urged him to ensure all hostages are freed. Three Israeli women were released on January 14 after a ceasefire took effect. The deal, which aims to end the 15-month war, allows for 33 hostages to be freed and aid to enter Gaza. The truce also includes the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israeli towns, killing 1,200 people and capturing over 250 hostages. More than 47,000 Palestinians have died, and many in Gaza are homeless.