Israeli, Palestinian supporters in Chicagoland celebrate ceasefire deal with cautious optimism
BRIDGEVIEW, Ill, - Palestinian and Israeli supporters alike are celebrating the ceasefire deal that would end the Israel-Hamas War.
Israel and Hamas possible ceasefire deal
What we know:
On Wednesday, local organizations expressed relief, but also cautious optimism while the world watches—and waits—for the agreement to be carried out.
Since the truce is a multi-phase process set to unfold over several months, celebrants across the City of Chicago and suburbs are holding onto hope that the plans will indeed pan out.
"It’s been honestly a whirlwind of emotions—relief, joy, sadness," said Deanna Othman, media coordinator with the American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) Chicago.
In Bridgeview, the U.S. Palestinian Community Network (USPCN) and other organizations rallied supporters who are praising the deal, which is expected to lead to the release of dozens of Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
"This is honestly one of the best things that we could hope for, is the release of prisoners – specifically even children who have been held in detention," Othman said.
Pro-Palestinian groups, including USPCN, have protested U.S. aid to Israel since the war began.
"Our people in Gaza have carried an unimaginable burden, and now we must collectively ensure that the sacrifices of the martyrs, their families, and all of the injured and displaced people will be a sacrifice that brings us closer to liberation and return," a statement from USPCN issued on Wednesday said.
The ceasefire deal is expected to deliver an initial six-week halt to fighting that is to be accompanied by the opening of negotiations on ending the war altogether.
Over the first phase, 33 of the nearly 100 hostages are to be reunited with their loved ones after months in captivity with no contact with the outside world.
Jewish United Fund (JUF) Executive Vice President Jay Tcath shared that at least seven Americans are among those being held by Hamas.
"That there will be dead amongst the return will be very difficult," Tcath said.
The JUF has been waiting for the return of hostages, including several Americans, but emphasizes that much remains to be done.
"Americans and Israelis are holding our breaths that hopefully as many as possible of those that will be returned will be breathing and not in coffins," Tcath said. "Even though the babies, some as young as 2 years old will be returning home, their odyssey, the nation’s odyssey doesn’t end with their return."
In a statement, the Jewish United Fund also thanked President Biden and President-Elect Donald Trump for their "unprecedented coordination."
The American Jewish Committee (AJC) shared similar sentiments.
"AJC is grateful to the Biden Administration, the incoming Trump Administration, and other global partners for working together to secure the first stage of the agreement," said AJC CEO Ted Deutch. "We cannot wait to see the first hostages come home to their families, but the critical work to free every hostage – regardless of age, gender, or nationality – must continue. The international community must persist in its efforts to ensure that every hostage is reunited with their loved ones."
William Muck, professor of political science at North Central College, said the transition period we find ourselves in, could have helped get the agreement over the finish line.
"It’s not uncommon for these agreements to come together at moments of political transition," said Muck.
Muck explains that the first of three phases of the deal will likely be the smoothest, but as a permanent end to the war is negotiated, he says things could become complicated.
"That’s when it gets to be a little more difficult, that’s when some of the political questions start to enter," Muck said. "We should not assume that just because we have this initial agreement that it will work,. Oftentimes these things can break down, so that’s always a concern."
Of the three American hostages believed to be alive, none are from Illinois.
They are Edan Alexander, 20, of New Jersey, Sagui Dekel-Chen, 36, with ties to Connecticut, and Keith Siegel, 65, of North Carolina.
What we don't know:
It remains unclear exactly when and how many displaced Palestinians will be able to return to what remains of their homes, and whether the agreement will lead to a complete end to the war and the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza — key Hamas demands for releasing the remaining captives.
Many longer-term questions about post-war Gaza remain, including who will rule the territory or oversee the daunting task of reconstruction.
The Source: Information from this article was obtained by the U.S. Palestinian Community Network, Jewish United Fund and Chris Williams from FOX TV Stations.