BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (WLS) -- United States officials say Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire and hostage release deal.
Many people in the Chicago area have loved ones who have suffered through the war in Gaza. There was an overwhelming sense of relief and hope after that ceasefire deal was announced Wednesday.
There's a feeling of newfound hope among a group from the U.S. Palestinian Community Network. They gathered in Bridgeview in celebration after joining many others in calling for a ceasefire over the last 15 months.
It was a moment of elation in Bridgeview, which is also known as little Palestine. Crowds of people came together near 91st and Harlem to celebrate the news of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
"Honestly the emotions are very raw and difficult to process right now," said Deanna Othman with USPCN. "There's a sense of relief, but we're definitely very heavy with sorrow over the losses our people have felt over the last 15 months."
READ MORE | Israel and Hamas reach ceasefire and hostage release deal
ABC7 has seen groups protest for months over the Israel-Hamas war in downtown Chicago and across the suburbs. They've been calling on the U.S. to not only mediate a ceasefire, but to also stop sending American funds to Israel.
The Council on American Islamic relations said they're relieved, but cautious.
"I think it's something we all were holding our breath for everyday," said Jordan Esparza-Kelley with CAIR Chicago. "Many in Chicago have also waited anxiously for Hamas to release more hostages, which will now become reality."
The Jewish United Fund also spoke out Wednesday.
'We in the Jewish community in Chicago have been waiting 467 days for the hostages to come back home," said Lonnie Nasatir with Jewish United Fund.
Natalie and Judith Raanan from Evanston are two of the hostages who were held by Hamas until they were released in October of 2023. Judith Raanan reflected on the ceasefire announcement.
No one should be left behind and it's about time," Judith Raanan said.
While Wednesday's news is something people have prayed for, many people also acknowledged that this is just the first step to peace in the Middle East.