El Paso Families React to Ceasefire and Hostage Release in Middle East
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- As a ceasefire takes hold in the Middle East, families in El Paso with ties to the region are feeling a mix of relief and hope.
The release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners brought emotional reactions from locals with loved ones overseas.
Annsam Jallad has family in the West Bank of Palestine, while Peter Svarzbein, former El Paso City Council representative for District 1, has family in Israel. For Jallad, she hopes the move can lead to fewer questions left unanswered.
"So unfortunately, we aren't really able to contact them," Jallad explained. "It's very difficult. So if anything, we receive news via social media or other news outlets."
For Svarzbein, today's move served as a momentary exhale for his community.
"I think that for people in Israel, there was a sense of exhaustion with this war going on and wanting to see those families reunited again," Svarzbein explained.
To find out more about how El Pasoans are reacting to the news coming out of the Middle East, watch the video in the player above.
