Ubai, a young Palestinian boy, may finally be reunited with his family after being arrested and detained by Israeli forces. His mother, Fidaa Abu Maria, anxiously prepares for his potential release as his name appears on an Israeli list of 300 people who may be exchanged in a prisoner swap between Hamas and Israel. This truce between Israel and Hamas could mean the release of 50 captives taken by Hamas in exchange for 150 Palestinian women and child prisoners held in Israeli jails.
Ubai’s journey has been marked by tragedy and hope. Last year, his elbow was severely injured by an Israeli bullet, leaving him with limited use of his hand. Despite undergoing therapy to regain his hand’s functionality, his treatment stopped once he entered the Israeli prison system. This arrest was not Ubai’s first, as he had been taken into custody four times prior. During his detention, he faced physical assault from prison guards, resulting in head injuries, and was isolated for 14 days.
The Abu Maria family, filled with both excitement and worry, eagerly awaits news of Ubai’s release. His father, Youssef, who has also experienced multiple arrests, describes his son’s potential release as a rebirth. He acknowledges the harsh conditions faced by prisoners in Israeli jails and expresses gratitude to the people of Gaza and the resistance that brought their sons from darkness to light.
In their simple home in Beit Ummar, the Abu Maria family prepares for Ubai’s return. Fidaa busies herself with household chores, occasionally pausing to listen to the news. She finds solace in cooking her son’s favorite meals, including stuffed zucchini in yogurt sauce and homemade chocolate cakes. The family’s excitement is tinged with the awareness that their joy comes at the expense of the bloodshed in Gaza.
As they eagerly anticipate Ubai’s release, the Abu Maria family is overwhelmed with support from friends and relatives. The house is adorned with decorations expressing their hope and joy. They anxiously await the news that will bring their son back home.
This story sheds light on the personal struggles and resilience of Palestinian families living under occupation. It highlights the impact of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas on individuals like Ubai and his loved ones. The prisoner swap offers a glimmer of hope in an otherwise challenging situation, reminding us of the human cost of political conflicts.
