1027 Palestinian prisoners released
Today is a momentous day in Gaza as 1027 Palestinian prisoners are freed following painstaking negotiations between Palestine and Israel for the release of Gilad Shalit, a hostage held by Hamas for over five years.
Despite the mood reported as a ‘'great moment in Gaza!’' by an Al Fakhoora student living in the area, there is still an element of trepidation.
This extremely sensitive negotiation relies heavily on trust between the opposing sides and the hope now is that all involved will remain loyal to their word.
“I hope this agreement will be okay and done in its planned way,” said another student living in Gaza. “It seems like there is a conflict growing because they changed lots of the plans about releasing the prisoners”.
There is talk now of Hamas’ earlier confirmations that the siege would be lifted along with the prisoner exchange, now being either untrue, or rejected, as an Israeli government spokesman announces that the siege will not be lifted.
Nonetheless, the sense of joy and relief as families are reunited must be overwhelming in Gaza, and similarly with the Shalit family.
One journalist said: “It’s rare for both Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories to be celebrating anything on the same day. But both sides feel like they have got something out of this prisoner swap.”
