The West Bank has been gripped by a wave of mixed emotions since the announcement of the ceasefire in Gaza and the prisoner exchange deal. On one hand, there is immense joy at the imminent release of thousands of Palestinian detainees; on the other, the pain of the immense sacrifices Gaza endured—countless lives lost, blood spilled, and widespread destruction—for this moment of freedom.

As families across Palestine eagerly searched for news of their loved ones’ release, the details of the agreement began to unfold. The first phase includes the release of 1,904 prisoners, with 735 from the West Bank and 1,167 from Gaza, many of whom were detained during the recent war but were uninvolved in military operations.

Among those awaiting freedom is Zaid Ziyad Amer, imprisoned since 2015 and sentenced to two life terms. Arrested shortly after his wedding, Zaid left behind his pregnant wife and has since become a father to three children, including twins born through smuggled sperm. His family, overwhelmed with gratitude and joy, sees his imminent release as a testament to the sacrifices made for their collective freedom.

The deal also includes the release of women and children arrested after October 2023, marking a moment of relief for families like that of detainee Hanan Malawani. While her father celebrated her return, he acknowledged the immense cost of this freedom, underscoring the heavy toll paid by Gaza in blood and suffering.

For some families, the wait has spanned decades. Chahid Abu Bakr, born just months before his father’s arrest in 2002, is now preparing to embrace him for the first time outside prison walls. Despite their joy, families like his remain deeply conscious of Gaza's devastation, acknowledging that their happiness was made possible by the resilience and sacrifices of their people.

Though the prisoner exchange deal brings hope and reunites families, it is accompanied by a solemn recognition of the price paid for freedom. The images of Gaza’s suffering serve as a poignant reminder of the struggle and resilience that continue to shape the Palestinian narrative.