Reports of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have sent shockwaves around the world.
A deal was reached by the two parties on Wednesday. The next phase could see the release of hostages held in both Gaza and Israeli custody, according to an article by CNN. This is the second ceasefire since the war began on Oct. 7, 2023.
The first ceasefire to halt the war in Nov. 2023 lasted one week.
According to the article, phase one of the ceasefire will start Sunday and is expected to last roughly six weeks. During that time, the ceasefire will see a withdrawal of Israeli troops and an exchange of hostages and prisoners, as well as a surge of humanitarian aid for Gaza.
The article states that Israeli military will withdraw from population centers but remain along the Gaza-Egypt border.
President Joe Biden announced Wednesday that American hostages in Gaza will be released during the first phase of operations.
The second and third phases of the ceasefire are still being developed.
“Though it is yet premature, the hopes are running high in our community for their imminent safe return. Only then can we begin to exhale,” said Rabbi Yossi Lipsker, regional director of Chabad of the North Shore. “We won’t fully do so until every last hostage is home. When that does happen, you can expect to see unbridled joy unfolding wherever decency still prevails.”
But Lipsker also added a warning. “They will find themselves sadly, in a new brainwashed society where murder is whitewashed, and an orgy of suppressed collective hatred, wrapped in the cellophane transparency of humanitarianism, is the new zeitgeist,” he said.
U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton also reflected on the ceasefire. “At long last, a stunning diplomatic victory in Gaza, a relief for the hostages, their families, and the civilians who have suffered the deadly consequences of this war,” Moulton said. “We should celebrate this hard-won deal, but the difficult work of rebuilding Gaza—bricks, mortar, lives, and governance—lies ahead.”
Moulton added that only after the ceasefire is successfully completed can the world finally look forward to peace for both Israelis and Palestinians. “This is a time to empower the peacemakers, and it will take Israelis, Palestinians, Arab partners, and undoubtedly the next U.S. Administration—working together— to ensure success.”
He continued by saying, “The people of Israel, Gaza, and the entire region deserve nothing less after the 16 months of hell they just endured.”
Rabbi Michael Ragozin of the Congregation Shirat Hayam also looked for progress toward peace. “We pray that all of the hostages are swiftly freed and returned home,” he said. “And we hope tomorrow brings better days for all people of the region.”
