Douglas Murray: It is time to eliminate Hamas and bring our hostages back home

Hamas took 254 people hostage, including 12 Americans , from October 7, 2023 .

The deal includes the release of Palestinian prisoners, including murderers, but Israel has agreed to a cessation of hostilities, not the end of the war.

In the first round of releases, nine ill and wounded hostages will be exchanged for 110 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences.

Iran , Qatar and Turkey have spent years out-maneuvering America and the West .

If this deal is going to hold it will need all of Americas might to lean on the powers in the region which backed Hamas and undermined Israel .

Trumps policy of peace through strength’ will stand or fall on that junction.