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Murder

DePaul Students Share Mixed Emotions on Israel-Hamas Peace Agreement

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the peace agreement between Israel and Hamas approaches its first stage, DePaul students with family and friends in the region share a mix of relief and skepticism. The agreement, which was signed in mid-October, has raised hopes for a more stable future in the region, but many students are unsure if the ceasefire will hold beyond the initial stage. The return of 20 living hostages to Israel on October 13th marked a significant milestone in the peace process, with both sides accusing each other of violating the terms of the agreement.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 100 Palestinians were killed in Israel's strikes retaliating for Hamas' alleged killing of an Israeli soldier, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.
  • Leen Hashlamoun, a DePaul junior and chair of SGA's DEI Committee, expressed hope for peace but remains uncertain about the ceasefire's longevity, stating that "one of the biggest fears, at least that I know from the community, is 'Will it continue?'"
  • Michael Kaminsky, a DePaul senior and president of the Students Supporting Israel chapter, stayed up all night to watch the return of the living hostages and expressed relief, saying "to see the return of 20 hostages come home to their families is beyond words."
  • Eight of the 28 deceased hostages are still unaccounted for, with the remains of three deceased hostages, including those of American-Israeli citizen Omer Neutra, being returned on Sunday.
  • SSI hosted a vigil on the Arts & Letters patio to honor the hostages taken by Hamas, which was attended by professors, Jewish students, and students from other faith backgrounds.
  • Other leaders of Jewish student organizations on campus expressed relief regarding the return of the living hostages, including Lauren Levensaler, a Faith-In-Action Scholar, and Amber Martin, president of Kehilla.
  • Abdul Akhras, DePaul senior and co-president of Students for Justice in Palestine, hopes that the people of Gaza can see the peace agreement come to life and that both sides will work towards a lasting solution.

Statistics:

  • 20 living hostages were returned to Israel on October 13th.
  • Over 100 Palestinians were killed in Israel's strikes, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.
  • Eight of the 28 deceased hostages are still unaccounted for.
  • The agreement mandates the return of all living hostages and the repatriation of deceased hostages' remains within 72 hours of its implementation.

Sources:

  • "Hamas Kills Palestinian Riot Police Officer in Gaza; Israel Strikes Hamas in Retaliation" (Associated Press, October 14, 2025)
  • "Israel and Hamas Agree to Ceasefire, but Questions Remain" (New York Times, October 15, 2025)
  • "DePaul Students React to Israel-Hamas Peace Agreement" (The DePaulia, October 16, 2025)

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