The release of Palestinian detainees by Israel brought mixed emotions, with joy for their newfound freedom overshadowed by sorrow over the devastation in Gaza. Khalida Jarrar, 62, one of the most prominent individuals released, captured this duality. A leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a secular leftist group known for its militant activities in the 1970s, Jarrar had been detained under administrative detention since late 2023. This controversial practice allows Israel to hold individuals indefinitely without formal charges.
Expressing her emotions, Jarrar told The Associated Press, “There’s this double feeling we’re living in, on the one hand, this feeling of freedom, that we thank everyone for, and on the other hand, this pain, of losing so many Palestinian martyrs.”
The individuals released had been detained for various offenses that Israel deemed security-related. These ranged from throwing stones and inciting violence on social media to severe allegations like attempted murder.
Meanwhile, aerial footage revealed the extensive damage in Khan Younis, a city in the Gaza Strip. After 15 months of conflict between Israel and Hamas, vast areas of Gaza were reduced to rubble. Neighborhoods stood in ruin, with charred buildings and piles of debris stretching as far as the eye could see.
The next phase of hostages and detainees is set for release on Saturday. In just over two weeks, discussions will begin on the more challenging aspects of the ceasefire agreement.
“Joy Mixed with Pain”
In Gaza, there was a collective sigh of relief as the ceasefire brought a temporary halt to Israeli bombardments. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, the conflict has claimed over 46,000 Palestinian lives, with women and children constituting more than half of the fatalities. The statistics, however, do not distinguish between civilians and fighters.
For the first time since a week-long ceasefire in November 2023, the skies above Gaza were devoid of Israeli warplanes. This brief pause allowed Palestinians to reflect on the magnitude of the destruction.
“This ceasefire was a joy mixed with pain,” said Rami Nofal, a displaced resident of Gaza City, whose son was killed in an Israeli airstrike.
As celebrations broke out, triumphant Hamas militants appeared in some gatherings, where crowds chanted in their favor. Hamas-run police, absent during months of bombardment, also reemerged.
Amid the celebrations, some families began their journey back to what was once home, carrying their belongings on donkey carts. In Rafah, a southern city, residents encountered widespread devastation. Many likened the scenes to apocalyptic horror films, with some finding human remains in the ruins.
“It’s like what you see in a Hollywood horror movie,” said Mohamed Abu Taha, surveying the remnants of his family’s home.
Divisions in Israel Over the Ceasefire
While Gaza’s residents grappled with destruction, the scenes of Hamas gunmen celebrating openly in Gaza’s streets deepened divisions within Israel about the ceasefire deal.
Asher Pizem, 35, a resident of Sderot, voiced his concerns, saying the agreement only delayed another confrontation with Hamas. He also criticized Israel for allowing aid to enter Gaza, fearing it would strengthen the militant group.
“They will take the time and attack again,” he said, watching Gaza’s smoldering ruins from a hill in southern Israel with other residents. In the final moments before the ceasefire took effect, warplanes, helicopters, and drones dominated the skies.
The Immense Toll of War
The war’s toll has been staggering, with new revelations about its impact continuing to emerge. Residents of northern Gaza reported that Israeli forces had begun withdrawing from some areas as part of the ceasefire agreement.
Gaza’s population has endured immense hardship, with 90% displaced by the conflict. If the ceasefire holds and leads to a broader end to hostilities, rebuilding the enclave could take years.
Humanitarian aid is expected to increase significantly, with hundreds of trucks entering Gaza daily—far more than Israel allowed before.
“This is a moment of tremendous hope,” said Tom Fletcher, the U.N. humanitarian chief. “Fragile, yet vital.”
Despite the respite, the path ahead is fraught with challenges. The destruction in Gaza will require monumental reconstruction efforts, and the future of the ceasefire remains uncertain. Still, for many, this fragile pause offers a glimmer of hope amidst the devastation.