‘Not the finish line’: Calgarians react to first phase of peace deal between Israel and Hamas

Israel's government has just approved the outline of a deal to release hostages held by Hamas. It's a big step that’s getting a reaction in Calgary.

The deadly conflict in Gaza could be about to end, and it’s stirring up a lot of emotions for Calgary’s Jewish and Palestinian communities.

“(It’s) a moment of relief, yet heavy with pain and continued suffering,” said Calgarian Tamer Jaranda.

His parents, two sisters, nephews and 12 other family members were killed in Gaza along with thousands of others.

While he is hopeful about a truce, it’s not finalized yet.

On Oct. 9, Jaranda spoke on the phone with his brother-in-law in Gaza and heard attacks in the background.

“As we speak, the bombings are still happening and the killings are still happening,” Jaranda said.

Cautiously optimistic

Calgary’s Jewish community is also cautiously optimistic.

“It brought tears to our eyes to watch people in Israel at three in the morning yesterday celebrating, but until those hostages step foot in Israel, we’re not ready to accept that this is completely going to happen yet,” said Lisa Libin, president of the Calgary Jewish Federation.

Eight Canadians including Vivian Silver, the sister of a Calgarian, were among the 1,200 Israelis killed on Oct 7, 2023, when Hamas also took more than 200 hostages, sparking Israeli attacks on Gaza.

“Ultimately, efforts to isolate Hamas’ political and financial power is essentially going to protect both Israeli and Palestinian lives,” said Libin.

The war that followed killed thousands of Palestinians and decimated the infrastructure in Gaza.

The conflict has impacted Israelis and Palestinians around the world.

“It took too long for this to maybe reach a point where it might stop or pause and it’s very painful,” said Jaranda.

“Our No. 1 priority will always be to bring our hostages home. They’re our family and our friends and we hope to see that happen,” said Libin.

First phase signed: Trump

U.S. President Donald Trump says Israel and Hamas have signed the first phase of a 20-point peace plan.

The first phase of the truce will see all remaining Israeli hostages freed in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians in Israeli jails.

Israeli forces will also withdraw to an agreed-upon line but many questions remain.

There has not yet been agreement about contentious elements of a long-term deal, including Israeli demands that Hamas disarm and the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the enclave.

Uncertain

After so much turmoil, many are still feeling uncertain.

“There is a movement pushing for this to happen right now for some political gains and I don’t trust this will last for too long,” said Jaranda.

“We are not there yet. This is a milestone, not the finish line,” said Libin.

Trump says the 48 remaining hostages, 20 of whom are still believed to be alive, will be released on either Monday or Tuesday.

Along with healing that needs to happen overseas, people in Calgary say there is also pain and tension here that communities need to start addressing together.