Now, the battle for peace

It feels surreal to finally write these words, yet after two horrific years, a war that has consumed every soul in this land may finally be ending. When I finally see the return of the remaining hostages, it will feel like I’m witnessing a modern-day miracle. I imagine Matan Zangauker in the arms of his lion of a mother, Einav, who’s relentless, agonising two-year campaign has fueled a mass movement against the government and for the hostages' release, mobilizing millions of Israelis every Saturday night.

When a deal is finally signed, I long to see millions of Palestinians finally packing up their lives in the sweltering tents of Al-Mawasi, ready to return to the ruins of their homes in the north of Gaza. I envision them walking the Al-Rashid Road home, their long march taking them along the shores of the beautiful Mediterranean Sea that binds us all.

For two years, the people of Gaza have endured relentless suffering, a constant cycle of mourning, loss, and death. Life there has seemingly frozen, each day bringing new wounds and each night a heavier fear. The constant rhythm of bombardments and explosions from Rafah to Beit Hanoun has left millions falling asleep to the sound of shells and waking to the desperate cries of those searching for the missing in the debris.

Everything I want for my people, peace, freedom, security, I also want for them.