After enduring seven weeks of war, residents of bombarded Gaza express mixed feelings as a truce, brokered by Qatar, is agreed upon by both Hamas and Israel. The four-day pause includes the release of 39 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails and 13 captives in Gaza, set to occur in the coming hours. Aid trucks are also expected to cross into Gaza.

Despite the anticipation of a reprieve, Gaza experiences another night of intense bombardment from air, land, and sea in the lead-up to the truce. Simultaneously, Israeli military raids persist across the occupied West Bank. The toll of the conflict is stark, with more than 14,800 people killed in Gaza since October 7. In Israel, the official death toll from Hamas’s attacks stands at approximately 1,200.

Hostages will be taken to Israel via Egypt

Hostages are scheduled to move from Gaza to Israel via Egypt, where they will encounter Israeli security forces at the Egyptian crossing, as per BBC reports. Yolande Knell, BBC’s Middle East correspondent, delivers the latest updates from Jerusalem.

The truce is stabilizing after a shaky start, allowing more aid into Gaza. Palestinians are utilizing a period of safe passage, facilitating increased movement on the ground. At 16:00 local time (14:00 GMT), the first 13 of 50 Israeli hostages are expected to be handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross. The hostages will pass through Egypt’s Rafah crossing, where they will undergo identity and medical checks before being airlifted to Israel. Following further medical examinations, they will reunite with their families. According to the agreement’s terms, a couple of hours later, the first Palestinian prisoners are set to be released from Israeli jails.

Local Perspectives on Truce: A Glimmer of Hope Amidst Destruction

Gaza resident Ashraf Shann shares mixed emotions about the truce, expressing happiness for those seeking missing loved ones and the opportunity to “pick up the pieces.” Yet, the devastation remains palpable, with homes destroyed and psychological trauma pervasive. Shann voices concern about the fleeting nature of peace given the historical challenges faced in Gaza. He said,

“Well, my feelings are mixed because, on one point, I have nowhere to go back to even if [the Israelis] allow us to go back to Gaza City. My house was bombed and completely destroyed on the third day of the war.

“At the same time, I’m happy for those people whose loved ones are missing. At least they can go and pick up the pieces and try to search for them. We are also happy that some sort of aid is coming. My family is made up of 12 people and we are internally displaced persons. This is the first time this has happened to us.”

Israeli Forces Persist in West Bank Raids Amid Gaza Truce

While a temporary ceasefire brings relief to Gaza, Israeli forces continue operations in the occupied West Bank. A 22-year-old Palestinian was reported killed in Jericho during a raid, and another critically wounded in Tulkarem has succumbed to injuries. Verified video footage also shows arrests in Tarqumiyah, west of Hebron. Since October 7, at least 231 Palestinians have lost their lives in the West Bank, including six prisoners in Israeli custody.

Palestinian Prisoners Release: A Step Towards Reconciliation

Qadura Fares, Palestinian commissioner for prisoners, provides details on the release of 24 women and 15 teenage boys from Israeli jails. The International Committee of the Red Cross will receive them at Ofer military jail, marking a significant development under the truce. A total of 150 women and children are expected to be released, alongside 50 captives from Gaza.

In conclusion, the truce in Gaza, brokered by Qatar, brings a temporary pause to a devastating seven-week conflict. While residents express mixed emotions and hope for reprieve, the region experiences ongoing challenges, with intense bombardment, military raids, and the toll of the conflict continuing.