Metro Vancouver women react to Israel-Hamas ceasefire with cautious hope and relief

Some people living in Metro Vancouver are directly connected to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. They're expressing relief at the latest developments.

A tentative ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war is generating cautious optimism and a sense of relief. Though the conflict is unfolding thousands of kilometres away, its impact is deeply felt by some in Metro Vancouver.

Rutie Mizrahi is an Israeli-Canadian living in Vancouver. She recently visited Kibbutz Nir Oz, a community near the Israel-Gaza border that was destroyed in the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack. Her aunt and uncle were among the roughly 250 kidnapped. Her uncle did not survive.

“His body was brought back last February,” Mizrahi said.

Ajjur, who grew up in Gaza, says her brother was killed in an Israeli airstrike in October 2023. She’s now working to bring his widow and child to Canada, along with other extended family members.

“I’m trying to get the rest of my family here, especially his wife and kid,” Ajjur told CTV News. “His wife is still injured.”

Both women have been closely following reports that Hamas and Israel have agreed to a ceasefire and the return of remaining hostages.

“I’m more cautious and hopeful at the same time,” said Ajjur. “I hope this time it will work. I’m cautious that they (Israel) would break the ceasefire.”

Mizrahi is also approaching the ceasefire plan with cautious optimism.

“I’m not part of the celebration yet because, honestly, I do not trust Hamas,” said Mizrahi.

A key part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan calls for Hamas to disarm and play no role in a future Palestinian government.

When asked if she wants Hamas to surrender, Ajjur responded: “My my main point here is that I want my family to be safe.”

While Ajjur refrained from criticizing Hamas, Mizrahi was candid about her own government’s role in the conflict.

“I think the Israeli Government is the worst that we ever had,” she said.

Despite their differing views, both women expressed a desire to see the violence end.

“All of us want peace. We want to live in peace,” said Ajjur.

“The day that Hamas and other terror groups will be out, then I want to believe that. You know, because there’s nothing more than I really wish is to have peace with our neighbours,” Mizrahi said.

Two women — from opposite sides of a longstanding conflict — each carrying personal loss, and hoping the violence will end soon, for good.