‘A ray of light’: Palestinian and Jewish leaders in UK respond to ceasefire deal

Ephraim Mirvis, the chief rabbi, at a vigil outside Downing Street in October 2023. He described the deal as a ‘moment of incalculable relief’. Photograph: Lucy North/PA

A ceasefire to end the 15-month war in Gaza has been welcomed by British Palestinian and British Israeli and Jewish communities, with the government being urged to now support the injured and launch a family reunification scheme.

The chief rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis, described the ceasefire agreement, which will enable the release of 33 hostages initially, as a “moment of incalculable relief and a long-awaited ray of light in the midst of unbearable darkness”.