Festival of Victory and Triumph: Families in Gaza welcome return of prisoners

Um Maher El Aga'ad - For more images of the festival of victory, click here

by Radhika S.

18 October 2011 | International Solidarity Movement, Gaza

Thousands of Palestinians gathered in Gaza City’s Qatiba Square yesterday morning, swelling to over 200,000 as news arrived that the prisoners had safely crossed the border from Egypt into Rafah.  ISM volunteers waited for hours with local families eager to catch a glimpse of the former prisoners as they exited their buses.

“This is the best day of my life because today, good defeated evil,” said 45-year-old Saleem Abu Sa’ada.  “For us, we want all the prisoners to be free,” he added.  Qatiba Sqaure, a large sandy plaza, took on a festive … Continue reading