Israel-Hamas Ceasefire

The body of Shiri Bibas -- the mother of two red-headed boys who became a symbol of Israeli hostage suffering, both confirmed dead -- was eventually returned Feb. 21, with the Bibas family confirming Feb. 22 that it was the body of the boys' mother.

Catholic leaders in the Holy Land called on Christian pilgrims to return to the region following the implementation of the long-awaited ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

The Dalai Lama reminds us, “The very nature (of war) is one of tragedy and suffering.” This is true for both active combatants and civilians. The loss of one life is too many. This is certainly where both of us stand.

Starting at 4 p.m. on Jan. 19, crowds of Israelis arrived at what has become known as Hostages Square in the centre of Tel Aviv to support the hostage families and watch the release screened on the giant screen in the square.

As news spread of a long-awaited ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, reactions from religious leaders in the region expressed hopes for peace in the Holy Land, concern for the safety of hostages as well as the people of the Gaza Strip for the past 15 months.