Khan Younis, Gaza – In a poignant tale of unyielding hope and profound sorrow, Najat al-Agha’s life has recently oscillated between elation and despair. The mother of Diaa Al-Agha, who was among 620 Palestinian prisoners scheduled for release last Saturday, found herself heartbroken upon learning that her son would not be freed. Diaa has spent nearly 33 years in Israeli detention, making him one of the longest-serving prisoners from Gaza.
At 75, Najat has tirelessly advocated for her son since his arrest on October 10, 1992. Throughout the years, she has participated in campaigns and sit-ins, becoming one of the most recognized faces among Palestinian prisoners’ families. Her anticipation for Diaa’s release was palpable, leading her to express her heartbreak when that hope was abruptly shattered.
The larger context of this emotional struggle stems from a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which included the release of prisoners. On the agreement’s day, while Hamas returned six of its captives to Israel, the Israeli government unexpectedly halted the release of the 620 Palestinian prisoners, labeling the handover as “provocative.”
This decision left families devastated. Najat, alongside her family, had traveled through the only accessible road in Gaza – Salah al-Din Street – to celebrate Diaa’s expected return. Their home, which had been heavily damaged during recent Israeli assaults, stood in stark contrast to their hopes for a joyful reunion. Family and friends had gathered, eagerly preparing for a celebration that would be timeless and filled with love, after decades apart.
Najat clung to the hope that Diaa would soon be with her, recalling her dreams of a first Ramadan together in over three decades, a poignant symbol of familial unity in Islamic culture. However, as the anticipated moment of his release turned into disappointment, she reflected on her deep desire to make up for lost time. Her son suffers from significant health issues, with Najat highlighting the struggle she has faced in securing medical treatment for him over the years.
Despite the obstacles, Najat’s resolve remains steadfast. Her previous experiences with loss—having waited for family members in the past who were detained—have instilled a deep resilience in her. As she navigates this emotional landscape, Najat continues to look towards a future in which she hopes to embrace her son once again, embodying the strength that many Palestinian families demonstrate in the face of adversity.
As these families await developments, the interplay of hope and despair serves as a reminder of the challenges they continue to endure. With unwavering spirits, they hold onto the possibility of reunion and healing, not just for themselves, but for countless others who share similar experiences.
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