A Story of Resistance in the Joy of Release: A Message of Victory Amid the Ruins
In Khan Yunis, Gaza City, on Thursday, the release of two Israeli captives brought a mix of joy and sorrow among Palestinians. Thousands of people gathered near the rubble of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar's destroyed house to witness the event.
Abu Yusuf, a 32-year-old man, waited from 8 a.m. with his four-year-old son on his shoulders. He said, "This release makes me feel that the loss of my relatives and home has been somewhat worthwhile."
Amid a sea of Hamas and Islamic Jihad flags, Palestinians viewed this release as a "victory of resistance."
Prisoner Release Under the Ceasefire Agreement
Following the war that began on October 7, 2023, after Hamas' attack, a ceasefire agreement came into effect on January 19, 2024. Under the agreement, Hamas will release 33 Israeli captives over six weeks, and in return, Israel will release 1,650 Palestinian prisoners.
In Thursday's prisoner exchange, 20-year-old Israeli soldier Agam Berger was released from the Jabalia refugee camp, along with two other Israeli civilians and five Thai nationals from Khan Yunis. In return, Israel released 110 Palestinian prisoners, including 32 serving life sentences and 30 minors.
Symbol of Resistance Amid Ruins
During the release, thousands of people chanted slogans on the fifth street of Khan Yunis, capturing the moment with cameras as they stood among the rubble. Yasmin, a 28-year-old woman holding a poster, said, "We are here to express gratitude to those who supported our resistance, especially Iran, Hezbollah, and the Houthis."
A Mix of Grief and Loss
During the war, nearly 47,035 Palestinians were killed, and 111,091 were injured. Standing amid the ruins, 63-year-old Abdul Qadir said, "We are alive, but what is left? Our homes, our land, everything is destroyed. This is the price we have paid for freedom."
This prisoner release has highlighted the resilience of Palestinians and their fight for survival, bringing their struggle to the attention of the world.
