People in Canada with family in the Middle East are hoping a U.S.-backed peace deal will finally end the Hamas-Israel war.
Montreal resident Raquel Onona Look, whose son was killed by Hamas militants on October 7, 2023, says she desperately wants the Israeli hostages to be released.
Look says he cannot imagine the pain of the families of those who were held captive for two years.
Israel and Hamas agreed on the first phase of the plan, under which Hamas would release 20 living hostages while Israel would withdraw troops back to the agreed line.
Vancouver-based Omar Mansour has family in the Gaza Strip and says any plan that stops the killing of innocent civilians is welcome.
Mansour says he wants the Canadian government to do more to support people in the Gaza Strip, including by reviving a special visa program to help people fleeing the conflict.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 9, 2025.
