RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia leaders are sharing their thoughts after it was announced that Israel and Hamas had reached a ceasefire agreement on Wednesday. It has been over a year since the conflict in Gaza began on Oct. 7, 2023, with an attack on Israel by Hamas. In that time, about 1,200 Israelis and over 46,000 Palestinians -- the latter mostly women and children -- were killed. Just over a hundred hostages were taken by Hamas, including 23-year-old Israeli-American citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who had ties to Richmond. He was among six hostages found dead in late August 2024. The return of the remaining hostages is reportedly part of the ceasefire deal. PREVIOUS: Community holds vigil, mourns death of 23-year-old Israeli-American hostage Several Virginia legislators have issued statements following the announcement of this ceasefire deal on Wednesday, Jan. 15. Those include: U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) Kaine shared the following statement via email: "I’m grateful for the Biden Administration’s tireless efforts to negotiate a deal — which I have long called for — to reunite hostage families and flood Gaza with desperately-needed humanitarian assistance. This agreement marks an important step toward a lasting peace. It is in the best interest of hostage families, the Israeli and Palestinian people, and U.S. civilians and military personnel throughout the region that we continue to build on this progress. That will mean additional steps to prevent further regional escalation by Houthis, Hezbollah, and other proxy actors, provide all Palestinians with the opportunity to go back home in Gaza and the West Bank, and chart a path that leads to what was promised to Israelis and Palestinians more than 75 years ago: two states living peacefully as neighbors.” PREVIOUS: Kaine responds to letter on Israel-Hamas conflict delivered by VCU students U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.) Warner shared the following statement via email: "This ceasefire announcement will reunite families with their [loved] ones by securing the release of innocent Israelis, Americans and other individuals who were abducted by Hamas in their brutal October 7 terror attacks and have continued to be held for more than 460 days. It will also bring sorely needed respite to civilians in Gaza who have been suffering for too long in the face of extreme hunger, death, and widespread destruction. I applaud the President and his administration, who worked tirelessly to reach this agreement, and officials from Qatar and Egypt for bringing this to fruition. Like so many people around the world, I am both heartened to see an end in sight for a painful war that has torn apart families and leveled entire communities and solemn in remembrance of the lives taken on October 7 and all those who have been killed since. I remain committed to working with the incoming administration to ensure that the terms of this agreement are met on both sides and that humanitarian assistance can make its way to the Palestinian people as outlined in the deal.” U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA1) Wittman shared the following statement on Facebook: "Hamas has held American and Israeli hostages for 466 days now. I am grateful that there is now hope for their release and an end to this war — I continue to pray that the hostages can finally return home to their families and loved ones. The United States must return to a peace through strength policy. With this incoming change in administration, the United States will unequivocally stand by our ally Israel and once again project American strength on the world stage." U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-VA4) McClellan shared the following statement on her website: “I welcome today’s announcement of a ceasefire agreement to finally end the devastating war in Gaza and return the hostages home. For months, I have called for a negotiated ceasefire that would end the suffering of innocent civilians in Gaza, release Israeli hostages from Hamas captivity, allow for a surge of humanitarian assistance into Gaza, and lay the groundwork for a broader peace agreement that will lead to lasting security, dignity, and sovereignty for both the Israeli and Palestinian people. I believe this ceasefire agreement meets those standards, and I strongly support the deal’s swift implementation. I commend the Biden-Harris Administration for its relentless efforts to broker this agreement and reduce tensions in the region. I urge all involved parties to abide by the terms of this deal and work to uphold all phases of its implementation to ensure the peace achieved today will endure in the future. I hope this agreement serves as the first step in creating a two-state solution that brings lasting peace and stability to the region.” U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA2) Kiggans shared the following statement on Facebook: "A ceasefire and hostage deal has finally been reached between Israel and Hamas. It is long overdue but I am grateful for the work that went into making this happen. I hope this peace will be long-lasting and I wish our hostages a safe return home." U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA3) Scott posted the following statement on Facebook: "I commend the Biden-Harris Administration for their leadership and months-long work with Egypt and Qatar in reaching a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. President Biden proposed this plan on May 31, 2024, which was unanimously endorsed by the United Nations Security Council. This deal will secure the release of many hostages abducted by Hamas over 15 months ago, including some American citizens. This deal also sets the stage for others to come home, provides for Israel’s security and ensures humanitarian assistance for Palestinian civilians in Gaza who have suffered from widespread destruction and hunger. I support the Biden-Harris Administration’s post-conflict plan that includes humanitarian aid and support for the reconstruction of Gaza, and I am committed to working with the incoming administration on the implementation of this deal to ensure a lasting peace in the region, a two-state solution, and the safety and dignity of the Israeli and Palestinian people." U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA9) Griffith shared the following statement on Facebook: "We are just 5 days from Trump’s inauguration and a hostage deal is reported to be in place! Our adversaries are on strict notice: DON’T mess with President Trump and Team America. Reminds me of the 1981 Iran hostage release!"