Brantford girl finally coming home

(Update)

A Brantford girl is on her way back to Canada from war torn Gaza. Her trip comes as Israelis and Palestinians await news on whether a three-day cease fire could be extended. The deadline to prolong the truce is just hours away. But we’re still waiting for a decision.

For three days, the hum of machinery has replaced the blast of machine guns. Gaza residents have been able to buy groceries and clean up rubble.

They had hoped to know by now whether a 72-hour cease-fire between Israel and Hamas would be extended — but lengthy meetings have so far reached no firm conclusion.

Palestine’s Chief Negotiator Saeb Erakat is advocating for a long term extension: “I just want to extinguish the fire. Before extinguishing the fire I want to get the children out of the building. I am saying, sustain the cease-fire, extend the cease-fire, and alleviate the suffering of those poor Palestinians.”

Egyptian mediators have asked Israel to postpone demands to disarm Hamas and other militant groups.

Then the Palestinians would consider an open ended truce if Israel removes its blockade of Gaza and opens border crossings.

Meanwhile, eight-year old Salma Abuzaiter of Brantford is on her way home, after being stuck amidst the fighting for weeks:

Salam’s Mother Wesam: “They called me and they said, yes they have her and she is on her way to Jordan now. And then they called me and said she’s in Jordan now. So I said, oh my gosh, I’m so happy.”

She is being escorted by Canadian diplomats while her dad remains in Gaza to treat the injured.

Not knowing whether assaults will soon resume, her mother is overjoyed to know she will soon be back on Canadian soil.

Mediators are racing against the clock right now to reach a consensus about extending the truce. Earlier today, unnamed Israeli officials suggested a continued cease fire was likely, but experts say at this point, neither side is willing to budge on the other’s demands.