For the families of Palestinian detainees released by Israel following a hostage deal reached with the Islamist group Hamas, Friday brought relief mixed with sadness over the fighting that is expected to continue in Gaza after the end of the four-day truce.
Thirty-nine Palestinian women and children detained on various charges have been released under the Qatar-brokered deal, which also saw the release of 13 Israeli hostages captured by Hamas gunmen during their attack on Israel last month.
“There is no real joy, not even this little joy that we feel while we wait,” said Sawsan Bkeer, mother of 24-year-old Palestinian prisoner Marah Bkeer, detained for eight years on charges of assault and knife attack in 2015. Israeli police carried out a search operation in his home in Jerusalem before his daughter was released.
“We are still afraid to feel happy and at the same time we can’t be happy because of what is happening in Gaza,” he said.
More than 100 Palestinian prisoners are expected to be released in the next four days and more could be freed if the truce is extended.
In Beitunia, a city near Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, a large crowd, mostly young people, welcomed the freed prisoners by clapping, honking horns and marching through the streets carrying Palestinian flags.
Some people in the crowd also carried the flag of the militant group Hamas, which rules Gaza, and shouted support for Abu Ubaida, the spokesman for the group’s armed wing.
“I can’t express how I feel. Thank God,” said Laith Othman, 17, who was arrested earlier this year on charges of throwing an incendiary device and released this Friday. “The situation inside (the prison) is very difficult,” he said as he was carried down the street on someone’s shoulders.
Israeli commanders have vowed to release all hostages as they prepare to continue the campaign in Gaza, which began following the Hamas attack in which 1,200 Israelis and foreigners were killed, according to Israeli data.
Around 14,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s bombing of Gaza and the ground operation that began last month, and the Israel Defense Forces say they are preparing for the next phase of the operation once the truce ends.
Ismail Shaheen, speaking from Dheisheh refugee camp in Bethlehem, said he was waiting to see his daughter Fátima, who was arrested earlier this year on suspicion of attempted stabbing.
The 32-year-old computer scientist, who has a 5-year-old daughter, was shot during her arrest. Shaheen said he was surprised to see his daughter in a wheelchair when he was allowed to visit her for the first time in prison, months after her detention.
“Thank God she was released in this exchange agreement,” he said. “We are happy that she was released, but only briefly, because we cannot ignore the terrible conditions of our brothers in Gaza, where thousands of people have been killed.”
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
