STORY: A hope for lasting peace in Mideast
SHOOTING DATE: early footage, 2024
DATELINE: Jan. 3, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:58
LOCATION: GAZA, Palestine
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Gaza
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): BAHAA AL-LAQTA, Resident in Gaza
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): MOHAMMED AL-HABIB, Resident in Gaza
4. SOUNDBITE 3 (Arabic): KHALIL AL-BARDAWIL, Resident in Gaza
5. SOUNDBITE 4 (Arabic): IBRAHIM MANSOUR, Bakery owner in Lebanon
6. SOUNDBITE 5 (Arabic): RANA KANJ, Resident in Syria
7. SOUNDBITE 6 (Arabic): KHOLOUD, Resident in Syria

STORYLINE:

Conflicts ravaged the Middle East in 2024, resulting in the loss of tens of thousands of lives.

Many living amidst conflict and instability continue to hold onto hope for peace and a better tomorrow.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): BAHAA AL-LAQTA, Resident in Gaza
"We hope that the war will end, that people will find food and a source of income, that goods will be allowed in, that the crossings will be opened, and that we will be allowed to travel and go back and forth to the Gaza Strip. Unfortunately, we currently do not have any achievable goals, but we want to stay alive for now."

SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): MOHAMMED AL-HABIB, Resident in Gaza
"I hope the war will end and that we will return to our homes, restore our everyday lives, and rebuild schools, universities, and hospitals. The country will move for the better once the war ends."

SOUNDBITE 3 (Arabic): KHALIL AL-BARDAWIL, Resident in Gaza
"I hope that the war will end so that we can get out of the crisis we are currently living in. We are enduring more than we can bear considering this war. I hope to return to our homes and for peace to prevail over all the Palestinian people."

SOUNDBITE 4 (Arabic): IBRAHIM MANSOUR, Bakery owner in Lebanon
"I hope things will go better. We have a family to take care of. They have to grow up and go to school. I hope our money remains with us, instead of losing in banks."

SOUNDBITE 5 (Arabic): RANA KANJ, Resident in Syria
"My general wish is for the country to improve under this new situation in the coming year. I want to finish my studies this year and do well. I also hope that peace and love will spread among everyone. Those are my wishes for now."

SOUNDBITE 6 (Arabic): KHOLOUD, Resident in Syria
"My wish for 2025 is for security and safety to prevail, so that when we think about our plans, we're not only planning how to secure the basics of life. Instead, we can build a future for ourselves and our children. I hope we can invest in these kids, so that when they grow up, they don't carry the same worries we had in the past."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Gaza, Palestine.
(XHTV)