(The Center Square) – Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire deal, which is expected to lead to the release of Israeli, American and other hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

The deal could be a long-awaited end to the 15 month of fighting that began after Hamas killed more than a thousand Israelis in a terrorist attack on Oct. 7, 2023, and took hundreds of hostages, including some Americans.

President Joe Biden on Wednesday confirmed the deal was in place after national media outlets broke the story.

Since October 2023, Israel has waged an aggressive and thorough war on Hamas, which is officially designated as a terrorist group by the U.S. State Department. Israel has conducted ongoing missile strikes that have dismantled Hamas but helped create humanitarian issues that have continued to up the pressure on Israel to end the conflict.

President-elect Donald Trump quickly took credit for the ceasefire deal, saying his election set the stage for it. Trump repeatedly said on the campaign trail that he would quickly end the war. He also vowed there would be “hell to pay” for Hamas.

“This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies,” Trump said in a statement. “I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones.”

Vice President-elect J.D. Vance told the media earlier this week that a deal could be struck because Hamas and its allies are afraid of a Trump presidency.

“We have achieved so much without even being in the White House,” Trump said. “Just imagine all of the wonderful things that will happen when I return to the White House, and my Administration is fully confirmed, so they can secure more Victories for the United States!”