Faith leaders, human rights groups react to Israel, Hamas peace deal

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) - After two years of relentless conflict in Gaza, a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has sparked both hope and hesitation across the Coachella Valley. The deal — brokered by President Donald Trump — includes a partial Israeli military pullback from the Gaza Strip, the release of Israeli hostages by Hamas, and the freeing of Palestinian prisoners by Israel. Humanitarian aid is also expected to begin flowing into Gaza as part of the agreement.

Local reactions to the deal reflect a cautious optimism, with faith leaders and human rights advocates weighing in on the potential for lasting peace.

Rabbi Steven Rosenberg, a local faith leader, emphasized that the safe return of all hostages is essential for the deal’s success.

“I’ll feel much better once all the hostages and the ones that have deceased are home. Let’s get them home first... This war could have ended months ago if not a year ago if Hamas gave back the hostages and just laid down their arms and left.”

Rabbi Steven Rosenberg, Congregation Beit Haverim

Rabbi Rosenberg also credited U.S. involvement for helping push the agreement forward. However, not everyone shares the same level of confidence in the deal.

Jake Bachman, a local activist with the human rights group Code Pink, expressed skepticism about the ceasefire’s ability to bring real, lasting peace.

“Any move towards peace is always celebrated but obviously we’re hesitant until anything actually goes into play. Just this morning, we saw reports of people getting fired on by the Israeli military.”

Jake Bachman, Code Pink Community Organizer

While he welcomed the humanitarian provisions of the deal, Backman voiced concern that violence may continue despite the agreement. He added that even with a limited withdrawal, the road to peace will likely be “a complicated process with a lot of violence.”

Despite differing views, both Rosenberg and Backman agree on one thing: the hope for a peaceful future.

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