Chicago leaders, residents share mixed emotions and cautious hope after Israel-Hamas ceasefire announcement

CHICAGO (WGN) — Israel and Hamas have agreed to a pause in their devastating two-year war and the release of the remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

Under the plan, Hamas will release all 20 living hostages in the coming days in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, while the Israeli military will begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza and allow more humanitarian aid into the region.

Uncertainty remains about some of the thornier aspects of U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed plan to pause fighting, including who will govern Gaza.

A senior U.S. official says the U.S. military will send 200 troops to monitor the ceasefire.

“(I’m) filled with all kinds of emotions — from relief to happiness, joy — and then it harkens back to many of the visits I’ve had since Oct. 7 of ’23, where I’ve met so many families of these hostages and the unbelievable resiliency they’ve shown, the angst they’ve had to endure for the last two years,” said Lonnie Nasatir of the Jewish United Fund of Chicago.

Nasatir added that while the ceasefire brings hope, his optimism remains “very cautious” as details of the peace plan continue to unfold.

That same sentiment of cautious optimism was echoed by Palestinians living in Chicago.

“We ask God almighty to allow this agreement to be an agreement of beginning of peace and healing for our brothers and sisters in Gaza and to all the oppressed nations around the world,” resident Amen Chehaed said.

At the same time, local Palestinians emphasized their continued grief and criticism over the lives lost in Gaza over the last two years.