Palestinians in Gaza have received news of a ceasefire and a hostage release deal with mixed emotions. While there is a sense of joy regarding the truce, many individuals, such as 38-year-old Umm Hassan, who lost his 16-year-old son during the conflict, are grappling with profound grief. He noted that the announcement evoked both celebrations and memories of those lost, leading many to reflect on their absence.
The agreement, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, stipulates the release of 20 living hostages and the remains of 28 deceased hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israel, along with 1,700 detainees from Gaza. This marks the first phase of a 20-point peace plan that aims to potentially end the war, although further negotiations are still necessary.
Residents express that the war has caused significant suffering. Daniel Abu Tabeekh, a civilian from the Jabalia refugee camp, pointed out that those in power often lack an understanding of the hardships faced by people in Gaza, emphasizing the reality of homelessness for many. The conflict began following Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli civilian deaths and 251 hostages taken. In response, Israel’s military offensive has reportedly resulted in over 67,000 Palestinian deaths, primarily among civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, which is recognized for its reliability by the UN.
Reports indicate that over 90% of housing in Gaza has been damaged or destroyed. Personal stories further illustrate the toll of the conflict. Umm Nader Kloub, who lost seven relatives including her sons, expressed hope that negotiations would facilitate the return of hostages as well as allow families to return home. Medical professionals in the region echoed sentiments of mixed feelings—relief over the end of hostilities, tempered by the memory of immense loss and suffering. Husam Zomlot, head of the Palestinian mission in the UK, articulated the difficulty of processing grief during the ongoing conflict, underscoring the heavy emotional burden that will follow once the immediate trauma subsides.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgv0gypy75o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss