Hisham Al-Sayed released after 10 years in Hamas captivity, but Hura rem

The residents of Hura continued with their daily routines, seemingly indifferent to the release of one of their own. The streets were bustling with activity despite the rain, as locals went about their errands, shopping for falafel or strawberries, and discussing the day's events. In stark contrast to the media's expectations of celebration, the townspeople were more focused on their regular lives.

One young man reflected on the situation, pointing out that many of those celebrating Al-Sayed’s return didn’t know him personally. "The guy in the photo, I don't know him at all," he remarked, referring to a staged photo of a local man holding a sign of joy over Al-Sayed’s release. "Hisham Al-Sayed isn't even from here—his family is from the settlement across the street."

Al-Sayed's father, Shaaban Al-Sayed, tempered any expectations of widespread celebration, saying, "We are part of the family of the kidnapped, a large family whose members return in coffins." His words captured the mixed emotions of a community that has suffered both from the conflict and the long silence of captivity. Shaaban expressed concern that the deal for Hisham’s release might fall through at the last minute, though he still hoped for a smooth transition. "In any case, you don't need to go to Hura tomorrow; there will be nothing there."

A café patron expressed the frustration that many felt: "Even Hamas members think Bedouins are worth less," he remarked. Another added, "They just think he's Palestinian, so they don't think a ceremony to humiliate him like the Jews is necessary."

Despite the return of Al-Sayed, there were no grand celebrations or public ceremonies in Hura. The weather and logistical issues prevented any sort of formal gathering. A shopper from the nearby Hamza market explained, "There is no big event today. We can't set up a tent in this rain." He mentioned that perhaps in a few days, a visitors' tent might be set up near Al-Sayed’s family home.

The ongoing struggles of the Bedouin community were evident in the reactions to the release. "It’s great that hostages are being released," one local remarked, "but what about the release of the citizens who live here?" This sentiment echoed the concerns of a community that feels overlooked, even as their loved ones are freed from captivity.

As the hours passed, news emerged that Al-Sayed had been transferred to his family, sparking brief moments of joy. Yet the residents of Hura remained grounded, mindful of their own hardships and the complexities of their situation. One resident summed it up: “It’s great that they’re releasing hostages, but what about us?”