Israel-Hamas ceasefire has Arizonans reacting: 'People dying isn't good'

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SAIDA, LEBANON - JANUARY 15: A view of the fireworks show as people took to the streets to celebrate the cease-fire agreement in Gaza between Hamas and Israel in Saida, Lebanon on January 15, 2025. US President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday announc

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PHOENIX - People in both Tel Aviv and Gaza gathered on the streets, reacting to the news of a long-awaited ceasefire.

What we know:

The proposed ceasefire is set to take effect on Sunday and last six weeks. Many say this is long overdue and others say it's a step in the right direction.

The ceasefire deal includes three phases.

What they're saying:

There were mixed emotions as Israel and the Palestinians claimed victory.

There was lots of reaction in Phoenix, too.

Daniel Rothenberg is the co-director of the Future Security Initiative at ASU. He says the first phase is expected to go into effect on Sunday, which includes a temporary ceasefire.

"Then, there is a gradual return on hostages. Thirty-three hostages are in stage 1, and then there is also a release of Palestinians detained by the Israeli government," Rothenberg said.

He continues, "Opening up the borders, allowing significant amounts of humanitarian assistance, including tents and temporary residences and 600 truck loads of supplies each day. So, assistance to Palestinians who are in such desperate need of that help."

Ruia Gautam with Mass Liberation Arizona says a pause on genocide is not peace.

"So, while it may offer short-term relief for Palestinians who are under the seige of Israel's bombs daily, it doesn't address the root cause of the violence which is the ongoing occupation and systemic oppression of the Palestinian people," Gautam said.

Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz is the President and Dean of Valley Beit Midrash. He remains hopeful, but uncertain of where this will lead.

"It's a very difficult situation because many terrorists will be released, and it will give Hamas the chance to regroup, potentially, putting more Israelis at risk," Rabbi Yanklowitz said. "So, there's a lot of mixed feelings among the Jewish community of relief that hostages are coming home, relief of a pause of violence and war, but also some uncertainty of where this will ultimately lead."

ASU students weighed in after learning the latest developments of the deal.

"I was happy. People dying isn't good, so if that stops, it's better."

"A genocide already happened. A lot of people lost their homes, their lives, family members, their entire way of life."

"It's nice to see that a war has ceased."

Arizona Senator Mark Kelly released a statement on the deal.

"This is an important breakthrough to bring home hostages held by Hamas for more than a year and pause fighting that has led to the deaths of tens of thousands of innocent Palestinian civilians. I’ll continue working to support Israel against Hamas and other terror groups while making sure desperately needed humanitarian assistance gets to civilians in Gaza," the senator said.

What's next:

The first phase will begin with dozens of hostages released, but more hostages could go free in exchange for prisoners held by Israel.

The deal also includes returning the bodies of the remaining hostages in exchange for a reconstruction plan for Gaza.

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