After a ceasefire was announced Wednesday between the combatants of the Israel-Hamas War, several Bay Area advocates for both sides spoke of their hopes for peace and rebuilding in the region.

There is cautious optimism and a sense of relief for those in the Bay Area who have been pushing hard for an Israel-Hamas ceasefire and peace plan. Many from both the Bay Area Jewish and Palestinian communities see the deal as a turning point in the conflict.

Any agreement still needs to be approved by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Cabinet, but is expected to go into effect in the coming days. The deal would bring the release of hostages, allow thousands of people displaced in Gaza to return to their homes and surge badly-needed aid

The deal, not yet formally announced, outlines a six-week initial ceasefire phase and includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian detainees held by Israel.

Jews and Palestinians in Chicago expressed cautious optimism Tuesday to a ceasefire deal reached by Israel and Hamas. The ceasefire and hostage release agreement will halt more than a year of fighting in the Gaza Strip,

Members of Vancouver's Palestinian and Israeli diasporas expressed cautious optimism over a ceasefire deal to end the 15-month-long war that has led to immense suffering in the region.