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Mona, a neurosurgeon originally from Gaza who relocated to Sydney with her family in March 2024, spoke of her surprise upon seeing Ibrahim. “I didn’t recognize him at first. He has lost a significant amount of weight and even his teeth,” she remarked.
According to Ibrahim’s family, his dramatic weight loss occurred during his two-year imprisonment in Israel. The family shared their concerns with SBS News.
Ibrahim’s transformation was captured in a composite image: on one side, a smiling young man dressed in a suit stands by a parked car at night; the other side shows a video call screenshot of a man with longer hair and a moustache, clad in a grey sweatshirt, accompanied by another man and an older gentleman visible in an inset window.
Khalil, filled with joy, recounted his reaction upon seeing Ibrahim. “It was overwhelming happiness, thank God,” he said. Ibrahim’s first inquiry was why Khalil wasn’t there to welcome him back to Gaza.
Amidst this personal reunion, the United Nations has reported that 78 percent of buildings in the Gaza Strip have suffered partial or complete destruction due to Israel’s ongoing two-year assault.
Ibrahim was one of 2,000 Palestinians who were released by Israel this week, marking a significant moment for many families eager for reunification.
The next day, hundreds gathered in Melbourne’s east to watch their release broadcast live.
“But maybe after today with the release of the hostages, it’s time for a new era and time for a new era of peace,” Levin said.
Jewish Community Council of Victoria CEO Naomi Levin joined hundreds at an event in Melbourne’s east on Monday to follow live coverage of the events in Israel. Source: SBS News
Khalil also hopes the ceasefire marks the beginning of a new chapter.
“The Palestinian people have had enough … so I hope that it will be a comprehensive and honest deal, and that it will be carried out in the best possible way, with the support of the sponsoring countries.”
