Kol Ami News

SALT LAKE CITY — Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire in the war in Gaza and the release of 33 hostages. The deal would pause the devastation 15 months after Hamas attacked Israel.

The ceasefire raises the possibility of winding down some of the deadliest and most destructive fighting between the bitter enemies. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the ceasefire isn’t complete yet and final details are still being worked out.

Utahns on both sides of the issue are reacting to the news, expressing hope and optimism, but also reservation. Tala Hammond, a first-generation Palestinian American attending the University of Utah, says the ceasefire is promising but may not hold. She hopes for more accountability and notes the deal lacks any kind of aid package.

Rabbi Sam Spector of Congregation Kol Ami says, “It's very tragic what's happened in Gaza where the Palestinians have lost so much. I'm hopeful that this war was so horrific on both sides, that both sides will say that we cannot allow this to happen again.”

Spector adds, “I'm hopeful that there are better days ahead for everyone involved.”

Rabbi Spector, who leads Congregation Kol Ami in Salt Lake City, explains that his congregants want a ceasefire that returns hostages and has measures in place to prevent future bloodshed.

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