There is cautious optimism among San Diego’s Middle Eastern communities over the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal. Members of the House of Israel and House of Palestine, both located at Balboa Park, said the terms of the agreement give them hope after 15 months of agony that included protests for peace and vigils to honor victims of the war.

Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal, mediators announced Wednesday, pausing a devastating 15-month war in the Gaza Strip and raising the possibility of winding down the deadliest and most destructive fighting between the bitter enemies.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday a deal to return hostages held in the Gaza Strip has been reached, after his office had said earlier there were last minute snags in finalizing a ceasefire that would pause 15 months of war.

Israeli government approves ceasefire agreement. Ceasefire to begin in Gaza Sunday morning, hostages to be released in the afternoon.