"A mass wedding ceremony was held in Gaza on Thursday, celebrating the marriage of 406 brides and grooms as communities sought moments of hope after two years of war and hardship in the Strip. Footage shows couples carrying Palestinian and Turkish flags, with children joining celebrations on the main stage as music played and guests gathered. Among the newlyweds was Jamal Ja’ar, a released and deported former prisoner, who spoke of mixed emotions as he marked the occasion. “I was sentenced to five life terms and was released as part of the January 30 deal, then deported to the Gaza Strip. Thank God, today I share the joy of Gaza' people, even though the joy remains incomplete due to the absence of my family by my side.” The event was organised by the Turkish Al-Ribat Organisation, which selected participants based on humanitarian, social and economic criteria. Another groom, Mohammad Al-Shafei, said the couples chose to celebrate despite devastating personal losses. “We insisted on taking part in this collective ceremony organised by the Turkish Al-Ribat Organisation, despite having lost our entire family in this war, as they all were martyred on the path of the homeland. Even so, today we chose to participate in this celebration.” Alaa Abdel Fattah, the media coordinator of the mass wedding in Gaza, said the initiative aimed to restore hope after prolonged suffering. “The people of the Gaza Strip, including these newlyweds, have suffered the horrors of the Israeli war, and many have not been spared its effects after two years of killing and destruction. After grief and pain overshadowed Gaza, today, through the Turkish Al-Ribat Organisation, we have come to redraw hope and erase pain.” The celebration comes after Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement, which took effect on October 10 under the framework of the 20-point 'Trump Plan'. The agreement includes an immediate cessation of hostilities, the release of all hostages, living and deceased, and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza."