Palestinians in Gaza have celebrated the agreement of a ceasefire and hostage release deal - but many fear confronting the grief that has built up over two years of war. This morning, when we heard the news about the truce, it brought both joy and pain, 38-year-old Umm Hassan, who lost his 16-year-old son during the war, told the BBC. Out of joy, both the young and the old began shouting, he said. And those who had lost loved ones started remembering them and wondering how we would return home without them.
The agreement announced by US President Donald Trump includes the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased individuals in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 detainees. Civilians express that they are the ones who have truly suffered, urging leaders to recognize their ongoing pain. Israel's offensive in response to Hamas attacks has resulted in extensive casualties in Gaza, with over 67,000 Palestinians reported killed. As celebrations unfold, many are still acutely aware of the grief that looms over them, waiting for the right moment to mourn their immense losses.
The agreement announced by US President Donald Trump includes the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased individuals in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 detainees. Civilians express that they are the ones who have truly suffered, urging leaders to recognize their ongoing pain. Israel's offensive in response to Hamas attacks has resulted in extensive casualties in Gaza, with over 67,000 Palestinians reported killed. As celebrations unfold, many are still acutely aware of the grief that looms over them, waiting for the right moment to mourn their immense losses.
