70. A great day for Gaza residents, families of hostages, Trump, and Indians in California
I’m delighted that the US President’s most improbable 21-point peace plan has succeeded.
It was just yesterday that I wrote about hopes overshadowing the anniversary as the war entered its third year.
Today, Palestinians in Gaza and around the world, along with their sympathizers and the families of Israeli captives held by Hamas, are rejoicing with tears of joy and sharing happiness for the first time as news of a peace deal was announced by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Just as he was the first to announce the ceasefire between India and Pakistan a few months ago, Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, thanking mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan to pause fighting and release some hostages and prisoners held in Gaza.
He wrote that this means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed-upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace.
Immediately, Hamas confirmed the deal includes an Israeli withdrawal from the enclave and a hostage-prisoner exchange.
I watched on TV people chanting in unison, “Allahu Akbar,” meaning “God is greatest.”
It’s altogether a different matter whether the so-called GOD was on leave or just disappeared for the time being, whichever you take.
Even those who dislike Trump would agree that today is his day, and he deserves a congratulatory message from the global community, whether or not he receives the Nobel Prize.
For Donald Trump, a peace deal – or even a durable ceasefire between Israel and Hamas could be the most significant diplomatic achievement of his presidency.
I was personally sure that the deal would be done very soon.
On September 29, I felt this way when I heard that Trump compelled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was in the White House, to apologize to Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani for the death of a Qatari citizen. This occurred during an extraordinary Israeli operation targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, an action that received worldwide criticism.
Excitement, Anticipation, and Apprehension
It's been two years – a long time when you're waiting for your loved ones, and also if you're constantly bombarded without food and shelter.
Relatives have been anxiously awaiting the release of hostages held since the war started two years ago.
They are praising Trump for his commitment and determination that led to this historic breakthrough.
As part of the agreement, Hamas said it would release the 20 hostages still alive in an exchange with Palestinian prisoners, which would happen within 72 hours of the deal being signed, which is expected to be today.
Hamas took 251 people hostage in Gaza in 2023, where 47 remain, including 25 the Israeli military says are dead.
Israel’s retaliatory military campaign has been devastating, killing more than 67,000 people, including many children, as aid blockades have resulted in starvation and acute hunger.
The war has razed Palestinian territory and unleashed a major humanitarian crisis.
Palestinians must have mixed feelings, between happiness and sadness, and memories.
The details of the agreement remain unclear at this point. It was not clear whether the parties had made any progress on thornier questions about the future of the conflict, including whether Hamas will demilitarise, and eventual governance of the war-torn territory.
In agreeing to a deal with political backing from Arab states and other regional powers, this is
Indians in California Celebrate
California becomes the first West Coast state to formally recognize Diwali as a state holiday, after Pennsylvania and Connecticut, as California Governor Newsom Signs Diwali Bill AB268 Into Law!
So, the festival of Diwali is now an official state holiday in California.
The Bill, which goes into effect on January 1, 2026, authorizes K-12 schools and community colleges to close for Diwali and allows school employees to take the day off with pay.
Diwali is the most celebrated festival and culturally significant day for Indian Americans, the greater South Asian diaspora, and Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains of all ethnic backgrounds.
According to the Hindu American Foundation, AB 268 encourages the State Board of Education to adopt a model curriculum guide for exercises related to Diwali, thereby educating students about its significance and promoting religious understanding and tolerance in schools.
AB 268 reflected California’s commitment to inclusivity, especially in these uncertain times.
Diwali, known as the festival of lights, reminds us of the enduring triumph of light over darkness.
The festival conveys a vital message of hope during these challenging times.