A tentative ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, including a release of Israeli hostages held by the militant group, was announced yesterday after 15 months of bitter clashes that got a contrasting reception in Bermuda — echoing divisions worldwide over the conflict.

The Jewish Community of Bermuda responded to early news of the agreement with cautious optimism, but noted that it was only the first step in “a very long process”.

The war, which broke out on October 7, 2023, with a surprise attack on Israel by Hamas that killed 1,200 citizens, was marked in Bermuda with peaceful demonstrations and marches in favour of the Palestinian cause, as well as a call for peace and the protection of children on either side.

The island’s Jewish group responded swiftly to the attack with a vigil, while many peaceful protesters highlighted the plight of Palestinian civilians within Gaza, the territory from which Hamas launched its incursion and where the militant group brought back roughly 250 Israeli prisoners.

The Jewish Community of Bermuda hung ribbons outside its headquarters in Pembroke to show solidarity with hostages — and also as “a heartfelt expression of support for innocent civilians in Israel and Gaza who are facing unimaginable circumstances”.

The subsequent vandalism of the flag of Israel outside the headquarters on St John’s Road exposed some of the bitterness underlying a politically fraught issue in Bermuda as overseas.

A February 2024 showing of the pro-Palestinian documentary Israelism also prompted some in the Jewish community to call for its cancellation, although the viewing ultimately went ahead.

The Jewish Community of Bermuda said last night: “This has been a war against a radical network of terrorists, a third of the remaining hostages are murdered — so there is some relief, but a lot of pain too.”

The charity added: “However, it is a welcome first step in what seems will be a very long process.

“We hope and pray for a longstanding peace in the region.”

The group Social Justice Bermuda said it “welcomes the news of a ceasefire in Gaza”.

“However, we recognise that this development, while providing a crucial respite from the horrors of war, fails to address the systemic issues at the heart of this crisis: settler colonialism, apartheid and the collective punishment of Palestinian civilians.

“This pause in hostilities must be used as an opportunity to confront and resolve these deeper injustices.

“The scale of devastation in Gaza is staggering: countless homes destroyed, entire neighbourhoods reduced to rubble, and basic necessities such as food, water, education and medical care obliterated. Many Palestinians have no homes to return to and are left struggling to survive.”

The group added: “The question remains: what comes next? The ceasefire, though essential, is not the end.

“True peace requires not just the cessation of violence but the restoration of fundamental rights — the right to life, housing, safety, freedom and dignity.

“SJB insists that international bodies and governments take immediate action to ensure:

• Comprehensive aid to rebuild the lives of those affected in Gaza

• Full investigations into allegations of war crimes, with perpetrators held accountable

• A commitment to the long-term liberation and self-determination of the Palestinian people

The SJB said the work “does not end with a ceasefire”.

“We stand in solidarity with all oppressed peoples and reaffirm our commitment to justice and human rights for all.”