In exchange, Hamas will hand over three Israeli citizens held hostage since the beginning of the war.
Read More: Kalkaji Election Results: BJP’s Bidhuri Leads, Aap’s Atishi Trails In Delhi Election 2025The 42-day ceasefire marks a significant hostage-for-prisoner exchange deal that was backed by Egypt and Qatar facilitated by the US, and came into effect three weeks ago.
But there is an alarming suspicion whether the ceasefire would hold for a longer period of time amidst Trump’s plans of “owning and rebuilding Gaza”.
Arab nations and Palestinians have rejected the idea of Gaza being transformed into the “Riviera of the Middle East”. Critics have also raised concerns stating that this could lead to ethnic cleansing.Also Read: Okhla Election Result 2025: Aap’s Sitting MLA Amanatullah Khan leads, aimim’s shifa khan trails
The Gaza citizens have dismissed Trump’s redevelopment plans saying that they will rebuild the restaurants and hotels on their own.
“There is nothing that cannot be repaired,” said Gaza resident Assad Abu Haseira, reported Reuters, adding that he would commit to serving food from his already owned restaurant even before it is rebuilt properly.
“Trump says he wants to change the restaurants, and he wants to change Gaza and wants to create a new history for Gaza. We remain Arab and the history of Arabs will not be replaced with the history of foreigners,” he added.
Other eatery owner Mohammed Abu Haseira also resonated the thoughts saying that his restaurant will be “much better than before”.
“Why did you destroy them to establish other ones?” he said to Reuters expressing his concerns.
(With agency inputs)
First Published: Feb 8, 2025 12:58 PM IS
