We look at whether a the peace deal between Hamas and Israel can hold and how local communities most affected by the tragedy in the Middle East are feeling optimistic. 

World leaders gathered in Egypt to witness the signing of the first phase of a ceasefire deal.

UBC political science professor Michael Byers is optimistic that this ceasefire will hold. 

Jewish Federation of Vancouver president Ezra Shanken told the CBC's Jason D'Sousa the ceasefire is bringing some hope to the Jewish community. And Nariman Ajjur describes what she lived through in Gaza and what her family has experienced since 2023.