Gaza, Palestine – Following the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which halted months of intense fighting, the depth of destruction left behind has become painfully apparent for the residents of Gaza. Last month, Sufian Abu Ghassan, 70, along with hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, returned to their devastated neighborhoods to assess the damage from Israel's 15-month war on Gaza. "For now, the mass killing has stopped, but the wreckage remains," he said, reflecting the harsh reality faced by countless families.
The war, which began after Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has left at least 62,614 Palestinians dead, primarily women and children. The siege and subsequent bombardments have contributed to significant humanitarian crises, where many lack access to basic necessities like drinking water and food. Abu Ghassan lamented the destruction of his taxi business and home, saying, "There are hardly any provisions left; we are all struggling to survive. It's heartbreaking to see what has happened to our home, our life." The grief extends beyond material losses, as threats from Israeli drones have added to the psychological trauma faced by many returning residents.
Israeli leaders are reportedly considering plans influenced by U.S. President Donald Trump to forcibly relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan. According to Abu Ghassan, these threats echo the history of the Nakba, the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians during Israel’s founding, which continues to haunt the community. “The idea of another Nakba is terrifying, but we refuse to leave our home,” he declared defiantly.
The negligence of the Israeli government toward historical trauma is evident, as acclaimed historian Ilan Pappe noted the deliberate policies of ethnic cleansing tied to the establishment of Israel. Yet, as opinions grow among Israeli officials to repeat such actions, the burden of the past weighs heavily on Palestinian lives. Ori Goldberg, an Israeli commentator on political affairs stated, “Many Israelis do not recognize the Nakba or understand its impact on Palestinians. There is little awareness about the history behind their homes.”
With more Palestinians returning and claiming their land, the sense of resilience is palpable among Gazans. Many assert they have been through the worst and choose to remain. "Dying here would be preferable to leaving my homeland," Abu Ghassan summed up the sentiment echoed by many.
Meanwhile, negotiations have been taking place between the involved parties in Cairo. Mediators from Qatar and the United States have joined Israeli officials to work toward securing the second phase of the ceasefire deal. This phase aims not only to secure the release of hostages currently held by Hamas but to secure the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the territory. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar acknowledged uncertainty, stating, "Our team remains ready to negotiate, but we need to see common ground. If extensions are feasible, we will pursue it." On the other hand, Hamas has reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire terms and insists on full adherence to the agreement.
The challenge lies not only with the terms of the negotiations but with Israel's broader military objectives. Analysts argue Israel’s goal remains to eliminate Hamas entirely. “Negotiations appear contradictory when the declared war objectives reach beyond mere military strategy,” said Mohamad Elmasry, political analyst at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies. “If they believe Hamas's presence remains, they will not truly commit to ending hostilities.”
The situation became more precarious following the temporary deal which facilitated the transfer of prisoners and hostages. Hamas released the remains of four Israeli captives, and Israel, for its part, reciprocated by releasing over 600 Palestinian prisoners, which raised hopes for the future. Yet, the groundwork remains fraught with contention, as both sides view the negotiations with skepticism.
Adding to the tensions, reports suggest Israel has indicated intentions to remain present at key locations such as the Philadelphi Corridor, defying agreed-upon terms for troop withdrawal. Al Jazeera’s Nour Odeh highlighted discrepancies between actions on the ground and verbal commitments made during negotiations, stating, “Israel seems fully intent on going back to war under the current circumstances.”
The emotional aftermath for the residents continues to resonate. Many Palestinians have lost entire families and livelihoods, fueling feelings of anger and despair. Yet, there remains widespread resilience. "Israel's threats only strengthen our resolve to stay," remarked Mohamed Abu Ibrahim, aged 55, who described the Israeli threats as mere psychology warfare. “There is nothing more they can do to us. Honestly, we have faced worse.”
Global political dynamics also shape the Israel-Palestine discourse, underscoring the division within international circles over the situation. Recent statements from the European Union express concern over escalated violence against civilians, yet plans for cooperation with Israel persist. This creates discord for humanitarian advocacy, as many observers believe Israel's actions through force disproportionately fail to respect international law.
The future remains uncertain, with calls from various factions for continued assistance to Palestinians and international intervention becoming increasingly loud. “This is not just about land anymore; it’s about recognizing humanity and rights,” noted Diana Buttu, former adviser to the Palestinian Liberation Organization, as she emphasized the significance of recognizing historical truths.
Even though the war paused temporarily, the sentiment of impending tragedy looms large. Whether the ceasefire can build upon fragile agreements or whether the situation will devolve back to violence is still to be seen. For now, hope for peace must grapple with the weight of history and the scars of war, both enduringly etched on the land and its people.