Nearly six months after a fragile ceasefire came into force in Gaza, Palestinians in this war-torn territory are still struggling. In the markets, there are again shortages of some goods and rising prices – with merchants saying supplies brought in from Israel have been disrupted by the new war in the region. What does the war between Iran and Israel have to do with us? Prices have doubled here. Goods aren't coming in like before, says a shopper, Hassan Faqawi, despairingly. In this situation, the whole world is focused on Iran, America and Israel, and Gaza is forgotten.
While world attention has turned to the Iran war, there is increasing uncertainty about what happens in Gaza at a crucial stage in President Trump's 20-point peace plan, which halted the fighting in October last year. The High Representative for Gaza on the US-led Board of Peace, Nickolay Mladenov, outlined a plan for Palestinian armed groups to decommission their weapons, linking compliance to the start of reconstruction. However, a Palestinian official familiar with Hamas affairs indicated that Hamas is likely to reject the proposals, raising concerns of renewed military offensives.
Despite heavy rains causing sewage systems to overflow in crowded tent camps, humanitarian agencies argue that much more needs to be done for Gaza, as reconstruction materials remain restricted by Israel under claims they could be misused. A senior official from the National Committee for Gaza Administration reported that efforts are being made to establish temporary housing and recruit new police officers, but progress remains limited and population frustration grows as taxes imposed by Hamas further exacerbate the economic burden.
As the region watches closely, Gazans voice their desperation for a political solution, as many fear ongoing hostilities will derail the hopes established by the peace talks. Mladenov emphasizes a choice between renewed war or a new beginning, but skepticism remains dominant as visible signs of recovery in Gaza—crucial for its survival—are stalled.
While world attention has turned to the Iran war, there is increasing uncertainty about what happens in Gaza at a crucial stage in President Trump's 20-point peace plan, which halted the fighting in October last year. The High Representative for Gaza on the US-led Board of Peace, Nickolay Mladenov, outlined a plan for Palestinian armed groups to decommission their weapons, linking compliance to the start of reconstruction. However, a Palestinian official familiar with Hamas affairs indicated that Hamas is likely to reject the proposals, raising concerns of renewed military offensives.
Despite heavy rains causing sewage systems to overflow in crowded tent camps, humanitarian agencies argue that much more needs to be done for Gaza, as reconstruction materials remain restricted by Israel under claims they could be misused. A senior official from the National Committee for Gaza Administration reported that efforts are being made to establish temporary housing and recruit new police officers, but progress remains limited and population frustration grows as taxes imposed by Hamas further exacerbate the economic burden.
As the region watches closely, Gazans voice their desperation for a political solution, as many fear ongoing hostilities will derail the hopes established by the peace talks. Mladenov emphasizes a choice between renewed war or a new beginning, but skepticism remains dominant as visible signs of recovery in Gaza—crucial for its survival—are stalled.
