Cautious optimism in Vancouver’s Palestinian, Israeli communities over ceasefire deal [Video]

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

The ceasefire between the Israeli state and the Palestinian militant group was announced Wednesday by Qatari mediators but has yet to be confirmed by the Israeli cabinet.

It outlines a six-week initial ceasefire phase and includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages taken by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. It does not guarantee a permanent truce between Israel and Hamas.

The ceasefire deal comes after more than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 10,000 others injured, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Most of Gaza’s population has been displaced, and much of its territory reduced to rubble in the fighting.

Hamas carried out an attack on Israel …