Ceasefire brings ‘cautious optimism’ for Australian Palestinians, Muslim leaders

Palestinians in Australia have said a ceasefire would be a lifeline for their loved ones in Gaza, as the country’s peak Muslim bodies cautiously welcomed developments.

Palestinians celebrate the announcement of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, on Wednesday. Picture: AP

Palestinians in Australia have said a “long-awaited” Israel-Hamas ceasefire would be a lifeline for their loved ones in Gaza as the country’s peak Muslim bodies “cautiously but optimistically” welcomed the developments.

It comes as the US and Qatar on Thursday said Israel and Hamas had agreed to a ceasefire deal that could begin on Sunday, and would see some hostages return and fighting halt in Gaza.

Mahmoud Kaskeen, born and raised in Gaza, moved to Sydney seven years ago, founding the Gaza Australian Program to help settle Palestinian refugees arriving amid the conflict.

“Any opportunity for peace and an end to violence is something we all hope for,” said Mr Kaskeen, whose sister arrived in Sydney after fleeing the conflict.

“(A ceasefire) could provide much-needed respite for those who have been enduring incredible hardship … (and) an opportunity for humanitarian aid to reach those who need it the most, and for Gaza to rebuild.”

Mr Kaskeen was concerned, however, given ceasefires were “often fragile” and could break down. “The root causes of the conflict need to be addressed for lasting peace to be achieved,” he said.

“A temporary halt in fighting doesn’t necessarily resolve the deeper issues that led to this cycle of violence.”

Gaza Australian Program founder and director Mahmoud Kaskeen. Picture: Supplied

The past 15 months had been “incredibly difficult and painful” for Gazans, and for those in Australia it was filled with “worry and stress”.

“Every day feels like a constant battle with anxiety about the safety of our families and loved ones,” Mr Kaskeen said. “It’s not just about the physical destruction, but the emotional toll it has on our communities … For those of us outside Gaza, it’s the feeling of being so far away, unable to protect our people.

“We all want peace, but we also want justice … a future where Gaza and Palestinians can live in peace, dignity, and security.”

Palestinian Mariam Dawwas, who arrived in Sydney with her family in late 2023, was “relieved” that a ceasefire was finally reached, but was concerned over whether Israel would break any deal, pointing to its military killing at about 40 people in airstrikes following the announcement.

“(Gazans) were celebrating the (ceasefire) news and they were killed,” Ms Dawwas said, asking why the deal couldn't have been secured earlier. “It’s the same deal that was proposed six months ago. How many thousands (of Palestinians) have been killed (since)?

“(But) I’m happy for the mothers of Gaza, like myself, who survived and are able to hug their children, and not be terrified that they will never hug them again.

“That they can look their (children) in their eyes and say ‘You’re safe’. Only the people of Gaza know how precious that feeling of safety is, and it is still a luxury we do not have.”

Tahani Dawwas with her granddaughter Sophie and her daughters Mariam, Sophie’s mother, and Suzie. Picture: Nikki Short

The Australian National Imams Council and the Australian Federal of Islamic Councils both welcomed the development, but urged international leaders to prioritise rebuild efforts and ensure “accountability”.

“(We) deeply welcome the Gaza ceasefire and (hope) that will put an end to the bloodshed,” ANIC said in a statement on Wednesday, adding that the ceasefire “honoured the unwavering resilience” of the Palestinian people.

ANIC senior adviser Bilal Rauf said the imminent ceasefire was a “matter of great relief” and should be “commended”.

“While it will give some comfort to many people whose lives have been devastated by the actions of Israel, there will remain the ongoing questions of accountability, redress and humanitarian relief,” he said, adding it was a “small step in … a long journey”.

Mr Rauf pointed to tens of thousands of civilians killed in Gaza, with many more injured or displaced from what had become a “wasteland”.

“Legal institutions have condemned the actions of Israel in Gaza; (those actions) must be carefully scrutinised,” he said.

AFIC president Rateb Jneid. Picture: Matthew Poon

Barrister and ANIC's senior adviser Bilal Rauf. Picture: TWH Photography

“There needs to be a focus on reparations and helping more than two million people who have faced ethnic cleansing, violence and untold suffering.”

AFIC viewed any ceasefire with “cautious optimism” and hoped it ushered “enduring peace in the region”, but echoed demands for a “comprehensive investigation” into Israel’s military offensive.

“While we welcome any steps towards peace, we remain deeply concerned about the devastation and the suffering,” AFIC president Rateb Jneid said, adding that a ceasefire should be a “pathway to lasting peace (which) addresses the roots of the conflict and ­ensures the dignity and rights of Palestinians.”

Dr Jneid said AFIC joined calls for a “comprehensive international investigation” into any alleged crimes by Israel in Gaza, saying peace and rebuilding efforts relied on “accountability”, urging the Australian government to support efforts that would “bring about a just resolution”.