Expressions of relief and hope were palpable among peace advocates in the Gaza Strip, the United States, and abroad on Wednesday following the announcement of a new ceasefire agreement and hostage release arrangement between Israel and Hamas.

John Lyndon, executive director of the Alliance for Middle East Peace—a growing coalition of approximately 170 organizations worldwide focused on peacebuilding efforts between Israelis and Palestinians—shared, “Our team in the region, as well as our members, are experiencing immense relief. The last 15 months have been incredibly challenging for all of us.” He added, “As this new deal begins to take shape, we need to focus immediately on what will happen next.”

Facilitated by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, President Joe Biden stated that the new agreement includes an initial six-week ceasefire period along with a progressive withdrawal of Israeli troops from populated areas of Gaza. The deal also entails the release of hostages held by Hamas in return for the release of hundreds of Palestinian detainees held in Israel.

This development marks another significant moment in the ongoing conflict. Previous negotiations had faltered, failing to extend a truce established in November 2023 that resulted in the release of 105 hostages during a weeklong ceasefire.

These recent agreements signify essential steps forward in the ongoing conflict, according to Lyndon, who was texting from Paris. However, he noted to YSL News that key details about future stages need to be discussed before they can feel truly relieved.

Set to commence on Sunday, the ceasefire aims to halt the violence that has wreaked havoc in Gaza, triggered unrest throughout the Middle East, and led to casualties numbering in the tens of thousands.

Peacekeeper emphasizes need for ‘lots of good faith’ in ceasefire

On October 7, 2023, Hamas carried out an attack on southern Israel, taking 251 captives and resulting in over 1,200 deaths, provoking a military response from Israel.

Current estimates suggest that approximately 94 hostages remain in Gaza, with around 60 believed to still be alive, according to the Israeli government. Additionally, the Hamas-run Ministry of Health reports that over 46,000 Palestinians have died as a consequence of Israel’s military operations.

Lyndon remarked on potential obstacles, noting, “There is ample opportunity for things to go wrong. The success of this agreement hinges on significant trust, along with persistent domestic and international pressure to ensure its full execution, so we don’t revert to the everyday tragedies and loss of life experienced in Gaza, and so every hostage can be reunited with their families.”

Shamil Idriss, CEO of the peacebuilding organization Search for Common Ground in Washington, D.C., echoed Lyndon’s sentiments. He stated, “This creates an opportunity, albeit a fragile one, that we hope can lead to a permanent halt to the violence. Ultimately, we aspire for this to spark an inclusive political process, which is essential for achieving lasting security for both Israelis and Palestinians.”

Shiri Ourian, executive director of the American Friends of the Parents Circle – Families Forum based in New York, expressed her astonishment at the situation. Representing an organization of 750 families afflicted by loss due to the conflict, she shared her feelings of being “overwhelmed” as she navigated the news on Wednesday. “This war has inflicted far too much suffering, and the human cost is testimony to the depths of pain,” she said in a conversation with YSL News.

Despite these moments of hope, these advocates stressed that the journey toward comprehensive stability is far from complete.

Lyndon stated his view that “this current phase is the darkest chapter in Israeli-Palestinian relations” occurring while global leaders seem to overlook a conflict that urgently requires resolution. “We cannot repeat that error. These communities are broken and traumatized,” he asserted. “A dual approach—both grassroots and top-down—is necessary to ensure this deal succeeds and pave the way for genuine conflict resolution.”

Ourian, whose organization continues to meet regularly, voiced her skepticism regarding ceasefires, yearning for true peace. “We emphasize the importance of recognizing our shared humanity—whether we’re Israelis, Palestinians, or from other nations,” she said. “In these past 466 days, what have we achieved? Only devastation and grief. It’s time for this nightmare to come to an end.”

Contributing: YSL News staff