With a ceasefire in place in Gaza, potentially ending the longest and deadliest conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, two individuals shared their feelings using a common metaphor.
“The burden has been lifted off my chest,” expressed Ziad Obeid, a Gazan civil servant who had been displaced multiple times during the war. “We have survived.”
“The weight on my heart has been removed,” echoed Dov Weissglas, a former Israeli politician. “Our main focus now is to bring the hostages home.”
However, both men also harbored concerns.
Mr. Obeid pondered about the state of his damaged house in northern Gaza and questioned who would rebuild it amidst the devastation. He also wondered about Hamas’s future role in governing Gaza.
Mr. Weissglas expressed worries about the conditions of hostages set to be released gradually from captivity in Gaza and exchanged for Palestinian detainees serving life sentences for attacks on Israelis.
A rally was held on Saturday night in Tel Aviv for the return of the hostages held in Gaza.Credit…Amit Elkayam for The New York Times
This encapsulated the mixed emotions felt by both sides as they navigated through elation tinged with uncertainty following the truce agreement.
2025-01-19 22:32:15
Article from www.nytimes.com