A Gaza mother’s hope of reuniting with her son was shattered on Saturday after Israel postponed the release of 620 Palestinian prisoners. Among them is Diaa al-Agha, who has been imprisoned for nearly 33 years. The sudden decision has sparked outrage and renewed concerns over the fragile ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Najat al-Agha, 75, has waited decades for her son Diaa’s return. Arrested at age 16 for killing an Israeli officer, Diaa holds the grim distinction of being the longest-serving prisoner from Gaza in Israeli jails. His mother has spent the past three decades advocating for his freedom through protests, sit-ins, and public speeches.
When news arrived that Diaa would be part of a prisoner exchange scheduled for Saturday, Najat felt a surge of long-awaited joy. But as the hours passed, her happiness turned to heartbreak.
“Oh, my son, I waited for this moment for 33 years, and it vanished before my eyes,” Najat cried, overwhelmed by the devastating news.
Under the terms of the ceasefire agreement, Hamas handed over six Israeli captives, prompting expectations that Israel would release 620 Palestinian detainees. However, Israeli authorities suspended the release, citing what they described as a “provocative” handover ceremony.
The decision has left families like Najat’s in turmoil. “When they told us there would be no release, I collapsed, screaming: ‘Why? Why?’ Then I lost consciousness,” she recounted.
Najat and her family had traveled from their place of displacement to their ruined home in Khan Younis, where relatives, neighbors, and friends gathered to celebrate Diaa’s anticipated return. Their joy faded as news of the postponement spread.
For Najat, the delay is yet another chapter in a long history of loss and suffering. Her husband, Zakaria, was imprisoned for two years in 1973 on charges of belonging to resistance groups. Her eldest son, Azzam, spent four years in prison, while another son, Mohammed, served 12 years for allegedly firing at Israeli soldiers.
Despite her anguish, Najat remains hopeful. “I will see my son free, hopefully very soon,” she said with determination. “I’ve waited 33 years, I’ll wait a little longer.”
Rights groups and Palestinian advocates have condemned Israel’s decision, describing it as a violation of the ceasefire terms. The delay has intensified concerns about the humanitarian toll on Palestinian families separated from their loved ones.
Diaa, now in his late 40s, suffers from several health issues, including bone and digestive problems. According to his mother, he has been denied adequate medical care during his incarceration.
The prolonged detention of Palestinian prisoners has long been a point of contention in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Many families, like the al-Aghas, live in perpetual anticipation, clinging to fragile hope despite repeated setbacks.
Najat dreams of the day her son walks free and imagines preparing his favorite meals during their first Ramadan together in more than three decades. “I want to make up for all the years we were kept apart,” she said.
While the political battle over prisoner releases continues, Najat remains unwavering in her belief that her son will return. “I consider myself lucky because the last time I saw him was just a month before the war on Gaza,” she recalled. “He was in good health and spirits.”
As the world watches the unfolding events, Najat and hundreds of other Palestinian families continue their wait, hoping the next announcement will finally bring their loved ones home.
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