US President Donald Trump declared Thursday evening that the war between Israel and Hamasin the Gaza Strip has ended, expressing optimism that the release of hostages, both living and deceased, would take place early next week.

Negotiations in Sharm el-Sheikh have made rapid progress, with cautious optimism on all sides. According to multiple diplomatic sources, a deal is expected to be finalized within 24 to 36 hours.

Officials in Jerusalem described the second day of talks in Egypt as marked by “cautious optimism.” Once again, they are confident that images of hostages returning to their families will overshadow the national debate over the heavy price Israeli society will pay – including the troubling message it sends about the revolving doors of Israel’s prison system and the cost of future abductions.

A deal with Hamas may be a necessary evil, but anyone who agrees to release 250 mass murderers – who left behind trails of blood and bereavement, and will almost certainly kill again – has no right to speak of “total victory.” This is not a triumph. It is being blackmailed by terrorists and surrendering to their demands, even if the goal is a worthy one.