Across Canada, families with loved ones in the Middle East are expressing cautious optimism after the announcement of a U.S.-backed peace plan aimed at ending the long-running Hamas–Israel conflict.
Montrealer Raquel Ohnona Look, whose son was killed by Hamas on October 7, 2023, says she is anxious to see the release of Israeli hostages after two harrowing years. “I can’t begin to imagine the pain of families of those still held captive,” she said.
The proposed first phase of the agreement will see Hamas release 20 living hostages, while Israel withdraws its troops to a mutually agreed line — a significant step toward de-escalation after years of violence.
In Vancouver, Omar Mansour, who has family in Gaza, welcomed any plan that would bring relief to civilians. He also urged the Canadian government to reopen a special visa program to help people fleeing the conflict.
For many in Canada with deep personal connections to the region, the announcement has sparked a rare sense of hope that the cycle of bloodshed could finally give way to lasting peace.