Grieving communities hope Gaza ceasefire holds
Israel’s two-year war in Gaza, launched after a stunning offensive by Hamas, may end as fears grow that a temporary ceasefire will continue.
According to the United Nations, Israel killed more than 67,000 people, including nearly 20,000 children, in its military offensive on Gaza.
This comes after the militant group Hamas launched a surprise operation into Israel, reportedly killing 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages.
One of those killed was Australian citizen Galit Carbone. Galit Carbone’s brother, Danny Majzner, paid tribute to her at a vigil organized by several Jewish groups in Sydney, attended by thousands of people, late Sunday.
Israeli ambassador Amir Maimon said he had stressed to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese that Hamas should have no role in the future governance of Gaza.
“We will not forget October 7 and its victims, including members of my own family,” he told the crowd as rain fell and then a rainbow appeared in the sky.
“Together we are holding our breath, cautiously optimistic that tomorrow our prayers will be answered and our brothers and sisters will return to their families.”
As part of the ceasefire agreement brokered by Donald Trump, Hamas will release 48 hostages held in Gaza on Monday, 20 of whom are believed to be alive.
In return, Israel will release about 2,000 Palestinians, including senior militants and those held without charge, known as administrative detention.
Former athlete and politician Nova Peris received a warm welcome with a standing ovation as she drew connections between her Aboriginal heritage and the Jewish people and Israel.
“I’m sorry for the lives lost and I’m sorry for the families who continue to mourn the loss of their loved ones, and I pray with all of you for the safe return of those who were in hell for two years and are still held hostage,” he said.
Trade Minister Don Farrell said it was too early to discuss the possibility of deploying Australian peacekeepers to the battered region.
“What is important here is that a peace agreement has been achieved and that it is forward-looking and that there can be a solution to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East,” he told Sky News on Sunday.
University of Sydney political science PhD student Shamikh Badra, originally from Gaza, was concerned for the safety of her elderly mother and the rest of her family.
“We don’t want a temporary ceasefire, we want to stop this genocide after two years of suffering, after two years of watching and worrying,” he told AAP.
Mr. Badra’s brother and several members of his extended family, including children, were killed. He doesn’t know where their bodies are buried under the rubble.
“What if my family in Khan Younis moves again and the bombing starts again. Maybe it will be more dangerous than before.”
