Our hearts have been torn apart every single day over the past 466 days of unimaginable devastation, fear, and loss. Yet, amidst this, we are profoundly thankful to be alive to witness this day.

A day when so many will return home. A day when we will see people, hopefully, beginning to heal. A day when our children will finally shake with joy, not terror.

As bereaved members of the Parents Circle-Families Forum, we Palestinians and Israelis families, will finally grieve fully for our loved ones—not in the shadow of ongoing violence, but in the fragile light of hope.

For years, we have cried out for a political agreement and nobody listened.

For years, we have warned against the endless cycle of bloodshed.

These past 466 days have only reaffirmed what we already know: violence will never bring safety, justice, or resolution. It only deepens wounds and perpetuates suffering.

A political agreement is not just an aspiration—it is a necessity.

Only through dialogue and the courage to see the other side as a human being, only then can we begin to rebuild what has been shattered.

Only peace can save our region from the abyss.

May this ceasefire be the beginning of a true peace process. May we hear the laughter of children again. May we witness the healing of survivors and the rebuilding of lives. May we, as bereaved families, never have to welcome another into our circle because of war.

May we see Gaza and the Gaza envelope in Israel live again soon. May its streets and homes echo with life, laughter and resilience.

It is time to end this nightmare. The suffering of our people must end now. The Palestinian people have waited too long for justice, for freedom, for dignity and an end to the occupation. The Israeli people have waited too long for the hostages to return home and to live in security. We demand a future where Palestinians and Israelis live in peace, freedom, and justice.

The time for change is now. Peace is not a choice—it is a necessity for our survival. Let the world hear and help us to achieve our goal: Now is the time for reconciliation.

Ayelet Harel e Nadine Quomsieh, codirectors Parent Circle – Families Forum