SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) — Local advocates on both sides of the Israel-Hamas conflict are expressing cautious optimism following news of a ceasefire agreement, though many said it may be too soon to celebrate.

Adam Solender, interim CEO of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts, said he has spoken to several people in Israel over the last 36 hours and they all shared the same mindset. “Cautious optimism is the word of the day and our appreciation to President Trump and his cabinet, who have taken this upon themselves to make this happen in the world,” he explained. “It did not happen in a vacuum. It happened because of American influence and American support.”

Priscilla Lynch, a well-known local advocate for Palestinian people and member of Demilitarize Western Mass., had part

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