Residents of the Gaza Strip greeted the news of a temporary cease-fire with mixed emotions on Wednesday, expressing hope for a respite in Israel’s relentless bombardment but concern that the brief pause did not mean an end to the war.
“There’s a little bit of relief,” Ahmed Nassar, a 27-year-old taxi driver, said in a phone interview, adding that he hoped the deal would not fall through.
“God willing, at midnight we will see it.”The start of the cease-fire — which would allow for the release of 50 hostages held in Gaza and 150 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel — was to be announced within 24 hours and last for at least four days, said the government of Qatar, which helped lead the negotiations.
The pause in fighting would also allow the delivery of more aid and fuel for civilians in Gaza, Qatar said.
Mr. Nassar, who fled his northern Gaza neighborhood of Jabaliya and is now living in the central part of the strip, said the deal raised the prospect that a longer cease-fire could come in the next few weeks, which could allow his family to go back and check on their home.
Persons:
“, ” Ahmed Nassar, Israel —, Nassar
Locations:
Gaza, Israel, Qatar, Jabaliya