The graphic footage shows eight badly beaten, blindfolded men kneeling in the street before each is shot dead by Hamas gunmen in front of a cheering crowd.

Trump, who has said he thought this conflict would be the “easiest” to settle, is set to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Friday in what could be a pivotal visit for Zelensky, who is openly seeking access to more advanced American weaponry that would let his armed forces strike targets deep inside Russia.

He told TheWrap he sees this moment as an inflection point in the broader state of affairs in the Middle East, one that marks both the end of a dark spell for the families of those taken hostage and the potential for prosperity for those in Gaza as it rebuilds.

As a cease-fire takes effect in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, both the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Palestine Solidarity Committee said they are cautiously optimistic.

At least half of Americans are highly concerned about starvation of Palestinians, Israeli strikes killing Palestinian civilians and Israeli hostages not being returned.

The fragile agreement for now only pauses the deadliest conflict in the history of Israel and the Palestinians.

Some Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where Israel has for two years waged a brutal and systematic war against Hamas, are returning home and beginning to reckon with the destruction caused by the conflict.

Gaza ceasefire advanced to a crucial step on Monday, but complex issues remain unresolved, including whether Hamas will disarm, who will govern Gaza, and the broader question of Palestinian statehood.