When the bus came into view, there was a surge of expectation and a rush of people.

Everyone wanted to get a view, to see through the windows, to see if they could spot a familiar face, or a relative, or a friend.

Gaza deal signed - as it happened

These were the people being sent back to the West Bank as part of the ceasefire deal - the people exchanged for the hostages.

The welcome they got was chaotic and joyful, just like previous prisoner releases. But there was something different this time - a changed, charged atmosphere and a heavier police presence.

Image: Palestinians in Ramallah greet relatives released from Israeli prisons. Pic: AP

And as the minutes passed by, the sense of joy was also pockmarked by pockets of utter sadness.

At first, it was a mistake. We saw a wom

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