SUNRISE, Fla. – Images of celebrations in Gaza were seen on Wednesday as plans for a ceasefire were announced.
Locals in South Florida with connections to the region reacted to the news as well.
“I was so, so happy,” said Ibrahim Dremali, a South Floridian from Gaza.
Dremali, a religious leader who lives in Tamarac, grew up in the Gaza strip, where many of his family members remain.
“The moment I speak to my sister, bombing, and bombing, and bombing, and the airplanes, and I say, ‘the peace?’ And they say, ‘no, they say it’s the peace,’” he said.
The United States has said that ceasefire will begin on Sunday.
The bombardment of the Gaza strip has been devastating for Dremali’s family.
Local 10′s Cody Weddle asked him how many family members he has lost during the conflict.
“One-hundred and seven,” he said. “Three days ago it came to 107. I have a brother, uncles, nephews, many nieces, many nephews got killed, my friends.”
Dremali added that no one in his family was associated with Hamas.
“Absolutely not,” he said. “My nieces, my nephews, I was supposed to be with them again, finally, because I was sick for a long time with liver transplant. And I want to see my family again before I die, and the majority of them, they pass away.”
Meanwhile for Israelis, the focus is now on releasing the hostages held by Hamas who remain alive.
Judith Ranaan was held hostage by Hamas for two weeks and spoke about the ceasefire Wednesday evening in Cooper City.
“I will believe it when I see it,” she said. “I am waiting until the last one. No one should be left behind ever.”
Dremali also spoke about the living conditions for his family members still in Gaza, saying many of them are sleeping in tents with limited access to food and water.
Only one of his sister’s homes is still standing.