Israel-Hamas Ceasefire: Oxford man born in Israel hopes it will be the start of peace
The Israel Prime Minister is gathering his security cabinet to approve a ceasefire deal
Last updated 17th Jan 2025
An Oxfordshire man who was born and grew up in Israel, hopes a ceasefire agreement between the Israeli government and Hamas could be the start of peace in the region.
Benjamin Netanyahu is gathering his security cabinet to approve a ceasefire deal with Hamas which could see hostages being released as early as Sunday, alongside an end to fighting.
"A collective sigh of relief"
Ruvi Ziegler grew up in Israel and is part of the Oxford Jewish Congregation, as well as an Associate Professor in Refugee Law at the University of Reading.
Mr Ziegler, 45, lost his second cousin during the Nova music festival attacks on October 7, 2023, and says he has been worried for his family who are in Israel.
“My parents live in Haifa which in the period of escalation with Lebanon was subject to missile attacks on a daily basis. So, I think you feel the distance more at times of trouble rather than at times of calm”, says Mr Ziegler.
He added: “I’ve been worried too about my siblings who live elsewhere in the country and are affected by other aspects of the ongoing conflict, about their children, and indeed the wider family. So, I think it’s very difficult to continue with certain aspects of life here as normal.”
It’s been reported by mediators, Qatar and the US, that the ceasefire is expected to come into effect from 19th January.
Mr Ziegler said: “I think there’s a sense of at least partial relief.
“It's been 15 months since October 7th, and there's been immense suffering, on both sides of this conflict, and there is now a sense that this may be a turning point for both Israelis and Palestinians.”
He added: “There will be families who will welcome their loved ones and that's been on everybody's minds.
“On Shabbat services there have been prayers for the hostages pretty much in every synagogue since October 7th.
“So, I think there’s very much a collective sigh of relief.”
Ceasefire: 'One final sign-off'
The ceasefire deal has hung in the balance for more than a day as Mr Netanyahu insisted there were last-minute snags, which he blamed on Hamas.
Israel's Security Cabinet has recommended approval of a ceasefire that would pause the fighting in Gaza and release dozens of hostages held by militants.
The deal now goes to the full Cabinet of ministers for one final sign-off.
It is expected to approve the ceasefire, which could start as soon as Sunday, even though it has drawn fierce resistance from Mr Netanyahu's far-right coalition partners.
Their objections could destabilise his government, however.
Hamas triggered the war with a cross-border attack into Israel on October 7, 2023, that killed around 1,200 people and left around 250 others captive.
Israel responded with a devastating offensive that has killed more than 46,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, who do not distinguish between civilians and militants - but say women and children make up more than half of those killed.
Beyond the death and destruction in Gaza, the conflict has also destabilised the Middle East and sparked worldwide protests.
On Thursday, Israeli strikes killing at least 72 people in Gaza.
In previous conflicts, both sides have stepped up military operations in the final hours before ceasefires as a way to project strength.