In the West Bank: Cheers and worries after prisoners are released

Since the war, new checkpoints have been established and barricades built, making movement between some areas virtually impossible. According to the United Nations, violence by Israeli settlers has reached record levels. And the Israeli military has carried out night raids on the West Bank in what it says is part of a counter-terrorism operation.

“They have built up fear in our hearts,” said Hanna Tufaheh, 50. “Everyone feels extremely depressed, and it is extremely difficult for everyone.”

As she spoke, the sun began to set below the beige apartment buildings of Ramallah. The call to prayer sounded from a nearby loudspeaker and men lined up to pray. Jihad Mtoor, 32, stood with a group of friends, smoking cigarettes and waiting as cars brought more Palestinians.

For Mr Mtoor and his friends, the release of prisoners was a small victory in a war they did not expect to end anytime soon.

“What we come here to celebrate came from Hamas in Gaza – this is not the first nor the last prisoner deal in the Gaza war,” Mr Mtoor said. As he spoke, his friends began listing the names of important Palestinian figures currently in Israeli prisons – hoping that they too could be released.

Among the names was Marwan Barghouti, 64, who is in Israeli prison for murders committed during the first and second intifadas, which he led. Some observers believe he could be part of a larger prisoner swap to help end the war.

Anger and frustration among Palestinians in the West Bank have been palpable as the death toll in Gaza has risen, with more than 14,000 dead, according to health officials in the enclave.

Mr Mtoor said the war “will encourage and has already encouraged the new generation to resist.”

“This will never end; this will continue from generation to generation until the country is liberated,” he added.

Jamal Abu-Hammad, 64, who works at a delivery company, agrees.

“Pressure leads to explosion,” he said. “They are putting pressure on the people of Gaza, and we are the continuation of the people of Gaza here in the West Bank – we will support them.”