Detroit Jewish, Muslim communities cautiously optimistic amid Mid-East ceasefire talks

FOX 2 - Israel and Hamas are reportedly nearing a ceasefire agreement - but the Israeli prime minister says they still have to work out final details before accepting the deal.

Big picture view:

There are three phases to the ceasefire  which would clear the way for hostages, prisoners, and civilians to return home.

The first phase would last six weeks and completely stop the fighting -- meaning hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians could back home. There are 33 hostages held by Hamas who would be released -- two of those are reportedly American.

In exchange, Israel will release Palestinian prisoners and hundreds of truckloads of humanitarian aid will be delivered to Gaza every day during the initial phase.

The Israeli government is expected to vote on the deal tonight. If it goes through, the first phase could reportedly start Sunday.

Local perspective:

Osama Siblani, the publisher of the Arab American News, weighed in.

"We're very relieved and happy a resolution has been reached," Siblanmi said. "I hope it will stick and it will remain in place."

Rabbi David Nelson of the Congregation Beth Shalom had a similiar reaction.

"I’m cautiously optimistic by all this. How can you not be?" Nelson said.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says no deal has been reached — but the offer under consideration would see Hamas release hostages over a span of weeks — and Israel would also release hundreds of Palestinians held as prisoners.

Misplaced families will be able to return to Gaza — and aid will be made much easier.

"We have been for the last 15 months watching the devastation of Gaza, and the children and women and the destruction, the mass destruction -  and it has not been easy on this community at all," Siblani said. "Now we’re happy to see maybe an end to the violence."

"Nobody knows exactly how many people are going to emerge but I pray for their mental and physical heath," said Rabbi Nelson.

The war — which spanned 15 months and brought violence on both sides — and thousands of deaths — has impacted communities in Metro Detroit.

Some of Wayne State University's Muslim Coalition are unhappy this deal has taken so long.

"It is a step towards the right direction," said Ali Hassan, a member of the WSU coalition. "But the bigger picture is Palestinian statehood. Whether or not Palestinians have the right to even exist anymore. And whether or not there will be calls to arrest certain people like Netanyahu and the defense administrator of Israel."

What's next:

Siblani and Nelson — are both hoping for peace — and that the ceasefire will stick.

"I pray all those who suffered, who were Israelis among the hostages, I also pray for the innocent palestinians who died in great number as well," Nelson said.

"I would like to see our country, the United States of America and the rest of the world help Palestinians regain their livelihoods and rebuild their lives," said Siblani.