USI Professor: an "optimistic" opportunity for peace in Israel-Hamas conflict

Published 1 month ago• 2 minute read

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT) — After a holdup Thursday with the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, a senior Israeli official now says Israel’s cabinet will meet Friday to discuss and ratify the deal.

The hope is this deal will put an end to fighting between Israel and Hamas which began 15 months ago when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 Israelis and taking nearly 200 hostages.

Dr. Trent Engbers from USI — who studied in Israel just months before the war in Gaza — believes this ceasefire provides an “optimistic” opportunity for peace in this conflict.

He says there’s public intent on both sides to go through with peace. First, there’s policy procedures necessary.

“I don’t think it’s a done deal. The Knesset — the Israeli Congress — needs to vote on it. There will be political opposition, but it’s hopeful,” Dr. Engbers says.

Meanwhile he says the state of the hostages comes up when he talks with his friends back in Israel.

He says freeing the hostages and achieving sustainable peace should be the goal we’re all working toward.