Local leaders react to ceasefire in Gaza

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- President Joe Biden and Qatar’s prime minister announced a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas Wednesday, but local leaders from both sides of the conflict said more still needs to be done.

Leaders said the sounds of sorrow will continue for years to come, but a ceasefire is what they have been fighting for and it's a step in the right direction.

“After 15 really long months, you can imagine we really welcomed the news,” said Miriam Abramovich, CEO of the Buffalo Jewish Federation.

“Everybody should be relieved that the ceasefire is finally taking place,” said Khalid Qazi, president of the Western New York Muslim Public Affairs Council.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that a ceasefire agreement is not yet completed and final details are being worked out. Wednesday still marked the war between Israel and Hamas nearing a resolution, sparking a moment that those on opposite sides of the conflict say lets them sleep easier, but leaves more to be done.

“The relief operation that has been so inhumanely stopped that has take place, the reconstruction that has got to be taking place,” Qazi said.

“Some stability in the region so that Israelis and their neighbors can live in safety and security and peace,” Abramovich said.

The ceasefire is scheduled to start Sunday, with negotiations continuing and dozens of Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners set to be freed.

“It would be such a relief for a family," Qazi said. "I can say for myself, if one of my own family members was a hostage somewhere, how I would feel."

“We have cried. We've mourned those we've lost," Abramovich said. "We've prayed for the safety and the health of the people."

Both Congressman Nick Langworthy and Congressman Tim Kennedy said in statements that their "hearts are with the families of the hostages" and they "hope this leads to advancing diplomatic efforts toward peace.”

“Jewish people believe in this idea that if you save a life, it's as if you have saved an entire world," Abramovich said. "So I think at this point, our hope is that there are many worlds that are yet to be saved and hopefully can be saved in the coming weeks and months."

“Our holy book also says that if you forgive, that is far better than taking retribution," Qazi said. "I can assure you that there will be partners for peace, but there is got to be willing partners on both sides."

The ceasefire is temporary, with further negotiations needing to be made to make it permanent.