Gaza Residents Remain Skeptical One Year After Ceasefire
Nearly a year after the United States brokered a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, many residents continue to live in uncertainty and hardship. Despite a reduction in the intensity of Israeli airstrikes, Gaza remains largely devastated, with significant portions still under Israeli control, and no significant progress has been made on reconstruction efforts.
Life Under Ceasefire: Reality vs. Expectation
The ceasefire agreement, reached in late 2025, promised an end to widespread violence and a pathway to rebuilding. However, Palestinian families displaced during the conflict say little has improved. Many continue to reside in displacement camps, where overcrowding and poor hygiene conditions have triggered disease outbreaks.
Fatima Awkal, a displaced woman living in Gaza City, voiced her frustration, stating, “They lie to us, it is all lies.” She described ongoing shelling and the unrelenting presence of drones, which have deprived residents of any sense of peace.
With approximately 82 percent of Gaza’s infrastructure damaged or destroyed by mid-2026, according to the United Nations, basic needs like potable water and food remain scarce. Ismail Hamouda, a father of several children displaced from northern Jabaliya to Gaza City, highlighted the shortages and financial struggles, noting that prices for essentials remain prohibitively high.
Political Stalemate and Security Control
The ceasefire was intended to include a shift in political governance, moving away from Hamas towards a National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), led by technocrat Ali Shaath. Despite this plan, Hamas retains control over security provisions, and the NCAG has yet to assert notable influence.
International efforts to stabilize the region through the deployment of a multinational International Stabilization Force, including Morocco among others, have yet to materialize on the ground. Israel continues to regulate all access points into Gaza, limiting the flow of aid and goods.
Dr. Ahmed Shawan, working at a hospital in Khan Yunis in southern Gaza, remarked that the ceasefire exists only on paper, with ongoing casualties and injuries confirming the persistent insecurity.
Why This Matters for Pakistan
The Gaza conflict remains a matter of regional and global concern, deeply resonant with the Pakistani public given Pakistan’s longstanding support for Palestinian sovereignty. Stability and peace in Gaza are critical for reducing humanitarian suffering and preventing further escalation that could impact global security dynamics.
As Pakistan continues to engage diplomatically and provide humanitarian assistance, the ongoing challenges faced by the people of Gaza underscore the complexity of achieving lasting peace and the importance of international efforts in conflict resolution.
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