A BRITISH Jew who lives in Bromsgrove has described the peace deal between Israel and Gaza and the return of hostages as ‘a momentous day’.
Adrian Kriss, a former Bromsgrove District Councillor, told the Standard: “Watching the pictures unfold of the hostages being released and the reunions with family was so emotional.
“It was unbelievable to see and I am completely overwhelmed.
“I never thought this would happen.
“It was hard to take – seeing so many civilians taken and placed in such inhumane conditions.
“It was impossible to comprehend what the loved ones have been through over the last two years.
“I am so happy the wait is over for them.”
He said there were two wars going on – one on the ground and a propaganda war.
“Hamas has propagated hatred to its people – and this type of propaganda is very dangerous.
“I just hope everyone in the area can live in peace.”
He added the majority of the people of both Israel and Gaza did not want the war and he said he hoped the Middle East could now be rebuilt for the good of all those living there.
“Gazans have lost their homes and most of their possessions – it’s appalling what has gone on – this should not be happening in the 21st Century.”
Mr Kriss praised Donald Trump for his courage and applying the pressure needed to broker the deal.
“We saw him do it with the Iranians and their nuclear programme and now he has done it again here.
“I now hope he can do the same in Ukraine and bring peace there.”
The remaining 20 living hostages held by Hamas in Gaza have returned to Israel after more than two years in captivity.
They were kidnapped by Hamas during the attacks on October 7, 2023.
According to national news sources, Hamas is still yet to hand over the remains of up to 28 of the hostages who died in captivity. The hostage families’ group said only four would be returned today.
Israel is releasing 250 Palestinian prisoners and more than 1,700 detainees in return for the hostages.
