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As ceasefire takes hold, ordinary life goes on in Israel and the Palestinian Territories
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The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem’s Old City. In Jerusalem and Ramallah, people move through their days with quiet caution, unwilling to trust too easily in peace, yet hoping it might last this time, says the writer.
ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI
- A Singaporean reporter encountered Basheer, an Arab-Israeli caretaker at Al-Aqsa Mosque, who recognised Singapore's former Mufti, highlighting unexpected connections amid tensions.
- Despite a recent ceasefire, Jerusalem bears the marks of conflict with visible security measures, yet pilgrims still visit and locals try to maintain normalcy.
- Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan donated US$500,000 to Palestinian humanitarian relief, underscoring solidarity, while Singaporeans living in Israel adapt to routine rocket alerts.
AI generated
JERUSALEM – As we made our way towards the Dome of the Rock, a voice called out from behind us: “Assalamualaikum! Singapore! Are you from Singapore? Are you Muslim?”
At first, we ignored it, eager to reach the sacred cave below the golden dome and mindful of the many stops and questions we three Singaporean reporters had already endured from security officers that morning.
