WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump successfully brokered a cease-fire deal between Israel and the Hamas terrorist group, seen by many observers as a groundbreaking chance to end the two-year conflict and establish lasting peace in the Middle East.

Following days of negotiations in the Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh, Hamas signed an agreement on Oct. 9 to release all 48 hostages—living and deceased—held in Gaza. It is estimated that about 20 hostages remain alive.