Locals React to Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Deal
A Mix of Emotions and Cautious Optimism
The conflict between Israel and Hamas might be half a world away, but it’s been a concern of several communities here in the capital region. With news of a ceasefire deal, people on both sides show cautious optimism.
A Call for Justice and Accountability
“It was and is a genocide,” said Eyad Alkurabi from Queer Palestinian Empowered Network (Q-PEN). According to the United Nations, more than 45,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the current conflict began on October 7th, 2023. During that day’s attacks by Hamas on Israel, Hamas took 250 hostages and left about 1,200 people dead.
As a staunch opponent of Israel’s actions during the war, the ceasefire is welcome news to Alkurabi. “Jumping of joy because I wasn’t listening to the mediators or the news I was seeing the bodies of the people of Gaza,” Alkurabi added.
The activist, who spoke to NEWS10 in Colonie, says that now is the time for Palestine to move forward.
“A moment of peace and celebration that the start of reconciliation, the start of reparations, and the start of accountability has begun,” Alkurabi went on.
A Call for Fair Terms and Humanitarian Aid
In Latham, Dr. Sohaib Chekima from the United Muslim Alliance of Albany hopes to see fair terms come out of this ceasefire deal. “We want the end to this genocide. We want humanitarian aid to enter with no limitations. We want the release of all hostages, and we want to see a permanent ceasefire” said Chekima.
As of last year, the US has given $17.9 Billion in aid to Israel, a fact the doctor has been critical of. “We claim to be a country of peace. I think if we really act on what we’re preaching, that’s the easiest solution to find peace and to end the genocide and we have the ability of doing, that we have done it in the past, and we can do it again. It’s just we’re choosing not to” Chekima continued.
A Call for Peace and the Safe Return of Hostages
In Schenectady, Rabbi Matt Cutler from Congregation Gates of Heaven is cautious about labeling the conflict a genocide. Why? He says the ultimate goal is not Palestinian eradication but peace. The rabbi says he’ll be at ease when the hostages are home.
“I spoke to a woman named Gillian Kaye, who I grew up with on Long Island, and her stepson Segui Dekel Kaye is one of the American hostages being held,” said Cutler.
“I need these hostages to come home. I need the people in Gaza to be able to restore their lives. We need to be able to start a process to build peace,” he continued.
Conclusion
The ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas has brought a mix of emotions and cautious optimism to the capital region. While some see it as a step towards justice and accountability, others are calling for fair terms and humanitarian aid. As the region moves forward, it’s clear that the ultimate goal is peace, and the safe return of hostages is a crucial step towards achieving that goal.
FAQs
Q: What is the current situation in Gaza?
A: According to the United Nations, more than 45,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the current conflict began on October 7th, 2023.
Q: What is the United States’ stance on the conflict?
A: As of last year, the US has given $17.9 Billion in aid to Israel, a fact that has been criticized by some.
Q: What is the ultimate goal of the ceasefire deal?
A: The ultimate goal is peace, and the safe return of hostages is a crucial step towards achieving that goal.
