The leaders of both the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation and the Arab-American Community Center of Youngstown say they see Wednesday's developments as a good first step, but that's about as far as their enthusiasm goes.

Jewish Federation CEO Lisa Long told 21 News there is much work ahead along with lots of uncertainty.
She's looking at this agreement as a foundation for the remaining hostages to be reunited with their families and to re-establish security for Israel and the region.

Arab-American Community Center president Dr. Suhad Hadi says she wants people to remember that there are 50 Palestinian hostages being held for every one Israeli hostage, and that Israel still wants control of two major corridors in the region.
She says only the end of Israel's occupation there will bring a true resolution.

"Until that's dismantled, and until the occupation comes to an end and we end the apartheid in Palestine, everything else seems like...too small of a step," Hadi said.

"I think that there's going to be a lot of rebuilding that needs to happen on both sides and we are hopeful that coming to the table for these ceasefire talks is just the first chapter," added Long.

Both sides tell 21 News they want every hostage released, and that they'll be watching how things unfold over the next 42 days starting Sunday when the ceasefire is set to begin.