Chicago Area Celebrates as Israel and Hamas Agree on Ceasefire and Hostage Release Deal

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (WLS) — United States officials say Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire and hostage release deal.

Many individuals in the Chicago area have family and friends who have endured the conflict in Gaza. The announcement of a ceasefire deal on Wednesday brought a wave of relief and optimism to the community.

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Members of the U.S. Palestinian Community Network in the region are feeling a renewed sense of hope. They came together in Bridgeview to express their joy after advocating for a ceasefire for the past 15 months along with many others.

The atmosphere in Bridgeview, often referred to as little Palestine, was one of jubilation. A large gathering took place near 91st and Harlem as people united to celebrate the agreement for a ceasefire in Gaza.

“Honestly the emotions are very raw and difficult to process right now,” said Deanna Othman with USPCN. “There’s a sense of relief, but we’re definitely very heavy with sorrow over the losses our people have felt over the last 15 months.”

READ MORE | Israel and Hamas reach ceasefire and hostage release deal

ABC7 has seen groups protest for months over the Israel-Hamas war in downtown Chicago and across the suburbs. They’ve been calling on the U.S. to not only mediate a ceasefire, but to also stop sending American funds to Israel.

The Council on American Islamic relations said they’re relieved, but cautious.

“I think it’s something we all were holding our breath for everyday,” said Jordan Esparza-Kelley with CAIR Chicago. “Many in Chicago have also waited anxiously for Hamas to release more hostages, which will now become reality.”

The Jewish United Fund also spoke out Wednesday.

‘We in the Jewish community in Chicago have been waiting 467 days for the hostages to come back home,” said Lonnie Nasatir with Jewish United Fund.

Natalie and Judith Raanan from Evanston are two of the hostages who were held by Hamas until they were released in October of 2023. Judith Raanan reflected on the ceasefire announcement.

No one should be left behind and it’s about time,” Judith Raanan said.

While Wednesday’s news is something people have prayed for, many people also acknowledged that this is just the first step to peace in the Middle East.