Palestinians in West Bank express cautious optimism toward Gaza ceasefire

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Palestinians in West Bank express cautious optimism toward Gaza ceasefire

2025-10-10 16:55 Last Updated At：19:07

Palestinians in the West Bank on Friday expressed cautious optimism toward a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that is expected to bring an end to the two-year bloodshed in Gaza.

Israel and Hamas on Thursday agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal, offering a tentative path toward ending the two-year conflict that has killed over 67,000 Palestinians, injured almost 170,000 others, and left the enclave in ruins.

The deal on the "first phase" of a U.S.-backed peace plan, following intense negotiations in Egypt's Sharm el-Sheik mediated by Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, and the United States, outlines a phased Israeli withdrawal and establishes mechanisms for prisoner exchanges and humanitarian aid delivery.

"We need a ceasefire, but this plan is an Israeli-American one, aimed at taking control of the Middle East. They are trying to achieve through the so-called Abraham Accords what they failed to achieve through war -- by deceiving the world into thinking the United States has accomplished something," said Abbas Zaki, a member of the Central Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization.

Despite skepticism from some political leaders, residents in Ramallah expressed relief and hope for recovery.

"I am happy that no more people in Gaza will be killed. Although many family members have already lost their lives, those who survived can now start to rebuild," said Amal Shousha, a resident in Ramallah.

Mahmoud al-Atrash, also from Ramallah, echoed the sentiment.

"All Palestinians are happy the war has stopped for our brothers in Gaza. They have been under bombardment and suffering for two years. It was extremely hard; no nation could endure that. Our only hope is that the ceasefire continues and that war never returns to Gaza," he said.

Saeed Khreisheh, another local resident, called for an end to the Israeli occupation. He also expressed his gratitude towards those who showed support for the Palestinian people.

"This brutal occupation has been killing and slaughtering our people for two years. It is time for it to leave our land and our nation. We are optimistic about the future, and we thank all the people and free voices around the world who stood with us," said Khreisheh.

FIFA World Cup squads confirmed

All 1,248 players of the 48 teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been confirmed following the submission of final squad lists to FIFA, the world football governing body announced Tuesday.

Lionel Messi of Argentina, Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Guillermo Ochoa of Mexico will feature in their sixth World Cup campaigns, while Cabo Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan are going to play their first World Cup.

The tournament opens on June 11 and 104 matches will be played in Canada, Mexico and the United States, with the final to be played on July 19.

"The confirmed squad lists underline the scale and enduring appeal of the tournament with 357 players returning after at least one previous FIFA World Cup squad inclusion. Some 891 players are set to experience the competition for the first time, highlighting both continuity and renewal across the global game," FIFA said.

Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon will be the oldest player at the tournament at 43 years and 162 days old, while Mexico's Gilberto Mora will be the youngest at 17 years and 240 days old. There will be 22 players under 20 years old and seven players aged 40 or above at the start of the tournament.