Local reaction to Hamas cease-fire agreement as negotiations remain underway

Hamas accepted the Egyptian-Qatari cease-fire proposal on Monday. Senior Hamas leader Taher Al-Nono says it, “includes a ceasefire, reconstruction, the return of the displaced, and the liberation of prisoners."

Israel has responded to Hamas’ acceptance of the proposal, saying the deal does not fully meet their “core demands."

Israel remains a part of continued negotiations Monday night as Israeli forces push forward with preparations to invade the southern Gaza town of Rafah. 

Coachella Valley resident, Heather Kocen, whose son is a part of the Israel Defense Forces, said she is standing behind Israel as they continue negotiations.

“We need to be able to trust that they are going to do what they say and say what they do. And until that happens, my son, my baby, my baby is out there fighting, I don't want him home. I want him to continue to do what he has to do, until there is a trustworthy agreement," said Kocen.

Local Jewish community activist, David Tsikman, says Israel's rejection of the agreement is an issue of trust after the October 7 attacks.

“They didn't attack military bases, they just wanted to destroy the Jewish people. So that cannot be something that continues…There will not be a ceasefire agreement that will continue the cycle of violence that enables Hamas to just rearm, regroup and continue their escalatory and violent actions against the people of Gaza," Tsikman said.

Indio city councilmember, Oscar Ortiz, who has been open about his support for the Palestinian people, said a permanent cease-fire is the only way to achieve peace.

Ortiz sent News Channel 3 the following statement:
"There needs to be an immediate ceasefire. The hostages and the people of Gaza have been suffering for far too long. We need to guarantee the safety and international protection of both Israel and Palestine, and our leaders have not been able to do that....Our country has tremendous leverage in this conflict, and we have let this get to a point where we have seen over 30,000 killed, widespread famine and disease, targeting of journalists, and widespread destruction of civilian areas. Our students are now taking matters into their own hands because our leaders won’t step up and lead us to a diplomatic solution. Instead, they continue to fund the war with financing, ammunition, and political support."

Stay with News Channel 3 for ongoing updates and local reaction.