The ceasefire in Gaza has taken hold, with the exchange of hostages and prisoners marking the initial steps toward a fragile peace. However, the extensive damage inflicted over two years of conflict has left a palpable sense of despair among the population. Despite the temporary halt in hostilities, the ongoing suffering remains evident, with many Palestinians finding little to celebrate in this new development.
As Palestinians return to areas near Gaza City, the visible signs of destruction underscore the depth of the crisis. The ceasefire, though a critical first step, does not address the broader humanitarian and political challenges that continue to plague the region. The absence of substantial progress in addressing the root causes of the conflict has left many feeling that the ceasefire is more symbolic than substantive.