Watan–The Gaza Strip is witnessing widespread anticipation following the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between the Palestinian resistance and the Israeli occupation, amidst ongoing intensified airstrikes by Israel across various parts of the region. Palestinian journalist Wael Dahdouh pointed out that the escalation by the occupation is not new, as Israel habitually increases the pace of killings before any agreement comes into effect, primarily targeting civilians.
The recent bombings, which resulted in at least 100 martyrs and dozens of injured, reflect the occupation’s strategy to undermine the Gazans’ joy over the ceasefire agreement. Dahdouh anticipates that Israel will continue to kill civilians until the very last moment, stressing that Gaza might face “another war” despite the cessation of airstrikes and rockets.
The grief in Gaza will not fade easily, as families have lost everything. Entire neighborhoods have been destroyed, and more than 80% of homes have been completely demolished. Thousands of bodies remain buried under the rubble, and efforts to recover them require massive resources and international will. Some Gazans were forced to bury their loved ones in the streets during the intense bombing, and now, as they attempt to reinter their dead, the pain and anguish of the war return.
On another front, experts warn that overcoming this dire situation may take a long time, especially with the massive destruction left by the war in all aspects of life. Infrastructure is nearly obliterated, and homes and public facilities will require years of reconstruction work.
The Israeli occupation continues its targeting of various parts of the Gaza Strip despite the agreement, reflecting its disregard for any understandings that could alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people. With ongoing bombings and airstrikes, Gazans face new humanitarian and social challenges, further complicating the situation in the besieged territory.
Amid these circumstances, the pressing questions remain: how can peace be achieved while the occupation continues its crimes? And will the ceasefire agreement be enough to rebuild what the war has destroyed? The answers lie in the days to come, as Gazans live between cautious hope and renewed pain.