DES MOINES, Iowa — The first phase of the four-day cease-fire in Gaza is underway, a day later than originally announced.
The four-day agreement includes not only the release of hostages from Hamas and prisoners from Israel, but will also increase the supply of food, water, medicine and fuel to Gaza.
It is a glimmer of hope and a brief moment of peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.
"They're relieved because it gives them a moment to breath, a moment to assess the damage, so to speak, a moment to bury their loved ones and maybe salvage some clothes from the ruins," said Maria Reveiz, a member of the Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility who has personal connections to Palestine.
Under the deal, Hamas will release 50 hostages and Israel will release 150 Palestinian prisoners.
"I think it's hopeful for probably everyone though, to see the hostages being returned to Israel," said Will Rogers, a member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines.
The current conflict first erupted on Oct. 7, when Hamas militants entered into southern Israel, killing more than a thousand people.
"It would be almost as if Altoona started firing rockets into the east side of Des Moines, that's how close all of this is," Rogers said.
From there, Israel initiated a weekslong air campaign and ground invasion in order to remove Hamas from power. Palestinian health authorities say that more than 11,200 Palestinians have been killed, at least two-thirds being women and children.
The cease-fire could be extended if more hostages are released. However, Israel says they will continue to fight once the cease-fire ends.
"I'm utterly confounded that it took this long to reach a cease-fire," Reveiz said. "I think that's something that our government should've pushed for from the very beginning."
The ultimate goal for both sides will be to ensure nothing like this happens again.
"I think obviously everyone should understand that the cease-fire is just a moment in time, we don't know what it will eventually lead to, but let's pray and hope that it will lead to the end of all of this at some point," Rogers said.
The Central Iowa Democratic Socialists of America is also calling for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza and an end to military aid to Israel. The group has helped organize several protests in the state.
The organization said in a statement to Local 5, in part:
"The temporary ceasefire in Israel’s war against Gaza is substantially the result of a global mass movement. Across the world, and here in the U.S., working people have risen up to demand an end to the bloodshed.
This temporary ceasefire is not enough. DSA continues to demand an immediate, permanent ceasefire and an immediate end of military aid to Israel."