In a significant development, 47-year-old Hussain Nassar embraced his daughter for the first time after being released from Israeli detention. Nassar, among the 60 Palestinian prisoners freed in Ramallah, had been imprisoned since 2003 for participating in the second Palestinian Intifada. The release, part of a fragile ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, included several women and children, with the youngest detainee being just 15 years old. Despite the joyous reunions, mixed emotions prevailed as some prisoners convicted of serious offences were exiled to Egypt or neighboring countries.
The prisoner release was marked by jubilant scenes, with supporters carrying the former detainees through the streets of Ramallah. The governor of Ramallah and El Bireh, Dr. Leila Abu Ghanam, celebrated the homecoming of these individuals, describing it as a rare moment of happiness amidst the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
"But we don't lose hope," Dr. Leila Abu Ghanam remarked.
"If we had lost hope, Palestinians would have ended 75 years ago," she added.
Among those released, Hussain Nassar's reunion with his daughter Hedaya stood out. Hedaya was born shortly after her father's arrest and had never met him before.
"This is the first time I will touch him. I will hug him. I cannot express my feelings," said Hedaya.
"The Israelis arrested him when my mum was pregnant with me. I feel like this is the first time I will know what it's like to have a father," she shared.
The release was part of a larger arrangement that also included freeing Israeli hostages. However, not all reactions were positive. Twenty-one prisoners convicted of severe crimes, including murder, were barred from returning home and were instead exiled. Zakaria Zubeidi, a senior figure involved in the deaths of several Israelis, notably avoided exile.
Dr. Leila Abu Ghanam criticized the Israeli government, accusing it of lacking genuine interest in peace efforts. Nonetheless, the event provided a glimmer of hope for many Palestinians, highlighting the ongoing struggle for resolution and reconciliation.
The next batch of prisoner releases is scheduled for Saturday. This phased approach reflects the tentative nature of the ceasefire and ongoing negotiations between the conflicting parties.
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