There is cautious optimism from Palestinians and Israelis alike after reports suggest that a ceasefire deal in Gaza is within reach. More than a year of relentless conflict may be coming to an end. The potential agreement includes the release of hostages held by Hamas and has sparked emotional reactions on both sides.
I can’t believe I am still alive to witness this moment,” Sanabel, a 17-year-old from Gaza City, said. “We have been waiting for this since early last year.” She still feels a bit of fear that violence will erupt again. “After calling my friend to talk about our plans for peace, a huge bomb exploded near my area. It brought back memories of broken ceasefires in the past.
The Israeli side also expressed cautious optimism. Sharon Lifshitz, whose father is one of the hostages still in captivity, said she was trying to remain hopeful. “I’m trying to breathe and imagine it’s possible that a deal will bring them home,” she said.
Quoting sources, key negotiations over Doha have reportedly advanced, with Qatar’s foreign ministry announcing that only final details remain. The talks are stated to be in the critical state by an Israeli government official, and the Hamas representatives are satisfied with the progress achieved.
According to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the deal was “right on the brink.
In Gaza, the hope for peace has brought a new spirit of joy despite the dire conditions. Sanabel described the joy of reconnecting with friends displaced by the war. “Everyone is feeling happy and optimistic, dreaming about starting over. But we need a lasting peace, not just a temporary ceasefire.”
Others in Gaza spoke in the same vein. Now living with her family in her grandparents’ home, young graduate Asmaa Tayeh said, “People here are both excited and anxious. Everyone is holding their breath, hoping to survive until the announcement.” Asmaa and her family have been repeatedly displaced by successive military operations in Jabalia, Gaza’s largest refugee camp.
Meanwhile, Palestinian families of Israeli hostages have expressed mixed feelings. Sharon Lifshitz, whose mother was among the freed prisoners during a previous truce, is still optimistic but cautious. “We know not all hostages are alive, but we hope those who are will return to their families. Each of them represents a whole world.”
The others said their disappointment is compounded by the fact that not all of the captives may be brought home initially. Ruby Chen lost her son, Itay, in the attack on October 2023. His body still lies in Gaza, and he accused the deal to exclude some of the captives. “The prime minister is advancing with a deal that leaves out 65 hostages’ fates from discussion. It’s not good for many families.”.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “faces opposition from within his own party at home, where far-right ministers have refused to go along with prisoner releases,” but Foreign Minister Gideon Saar insists that his government will ratify the agreement.
Speaking before the Washington Institute, Blinken painted a picture of a post-war Gaza, where security personnel from the Arab world combined with vetted Palestinian personnel could keep things stable. However, he said that Hamas’s recruitment efforts have helped counter much of what the Israeli military has accomplished.
The conflict, which broke out after Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023, has taken a heavy toll on both sides. According to the health ministry there, more than 46,000 people have been killed in Gaza. More than 2.3 million residents of Gaza have been displaced and are facing severe shortages of food, medicine, and shelter.
Israel reports that 94 hostages remain in Hamas captivity, and 34 are presumed dead. The families of the hostages have been waiting for news, holding onto hope that the impending ceasefire would bring their loved ones home. For many, peace is fragile, yet it is the only glimmer of hope they can’t afford to lose.
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