MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) -- Some of Alabama's elected officials and religious leaders are reacting to the Israel-Hamas ceasefire.

Hamza Abu-Hamdeh, who's with the Young Palestinians of Birmingham, said he is cautiously optimistic about the agreement between Israel and Palestine. He said he would like to see national recognition of the right to self-determination for Palestinians.

"We do share the joy with the people in Gaza who have suffered so much over the last two years and not just the last two years but for many years," Abu-Hamdeh said. "We are happy when they experience relief, but we also understand that much more is needed to change in order for there to be lasting justice and peace."

Abu-Hamdeh said justice comes with accountability for Israel's part in the war. State Rep. Phill

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