Palestinians in Gaza overwhelmingly believe that the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is nothing more than a "declaration, not reality." The recent airstrikes that killed at least 109 people, mostly civilians, have left many feeling anxious about their safety and uncertain about the future.
When asked if they thought the ceasefire still held, 50 out of 60 residents in Gaza replied no. Only four said the ceasefire was still in place, but it was fragile and at risk of falling apart. Six expressed hope that the ceasefire would remain, but even these individuals acknowledged that the situation is far from calm.
Many survivors of Tuesday's attacks described nights filled with explosions and mornings shadowed by tension. Some reported hearing Israeli missiles explode just a few meters away from their homes, while others were jolted awake by the sound of gunfire. The trauma and fear are palpable in the testimonies shared by those interviewed for this story.
The Israeli military claims that its attacks on Tuesday targeted senior Hamas fighters, but the reality is starkly different. Children as young as seven years old have been killed or wounded in these strikes, leaving many wondering if Israel's true intention was to demonstrate its military might rather than bring about peace.
Even after the Israeli military said it had resumed the ceasefire on Wednesday morning, it carried out another airstrike in Gaza's Beit Lahiya area, killing two more people. The restrictions on humanitarian aid and the ongoing demolition of structures within parts of occupied Gaza only serve to further exacerbate the suffering of Palestinians.
As one resident put it, "For Trump and for the Israelis, what matters is the appearance of a ceasefire." The administration's continued claims about the ceasefire have become nothing short of propaganda. Meanwhile, Palestinians are left to pick up the pieces, their lives shattered by violence and instability.
The psychological impact of these events cannot be overstated. Many who spoke to The Intercept expressed feelings of hopelessness and despair, wondering if they will ever feel safe again. Others described a sense of numbness, as if the constant bombardment of news had desensitized them to the suffering around them.
One thing is clear: the current situation in Gaza is far from peaceful. The "ceasefire" that Israel claims to be enforcing has become a myth, perpetuated by those who would seek to maintain control over the Strip and its people. Until this myth can be shattered and real change begins to take hold, Palestinians will continue to live under siege, their future uncertain.
When asked if they thought the ceasefire still held, 50 out of 60 residents in Gaza replied no. Only four said the ceasefire was still in place, but it was fragile and at risk of falling apart. Six expressed hope that the ceasefire would remain, but even these individuals acknowledged that the situation is far from calm.
Many survivors of Tuesday's attacks described nights filled with explosions and mornings shadowed by tension. Some reported hearing Israeli missiles explode just a few meters away from their homes, while others were jolted awake by the sound of gunfire. The trauma and fear are palpable in the testimonies shared by those interviewed for this story.
The Israeli military claims that its attacks on Tuesday targeted senior Hamas fighters, but the reality is starkly different. Children as young as seven years old have been killed or wounded in these strikes, leaving many wondering if Israel's true intention was to demonstrate its military might rather than bring about peace.
Even after the Israeli military said it had resumed the ceasefire on Wednesday morning, it carried out another airstrike in Gaza's Beit Lahiya area, killing two more people. The restrictions on humanitarian aid and the ongoing demolition of structures within parts of occupied Gaza only serve to further exacerbate the suffering of Palestinians.
As one resident put it, "For Trump and for the Israelis, what matters is the appearance of a ceasefire." The administration's continued claims about the ceasefire have become nothing short of propaganda. Meanwhile, Palestinians are left to pick up the pieces, their lives shattered by violence and instability.
The psychological impact of these events cannot be overstated. Many who spoke to The Intercept expressed feelings of hopelessness and despair, wondering if they will ever feel safe again. Others described a sense of numbness, as if the constant bombardment of news had desensitized them to the suffering around them.
One thing is clear: the current situation in Gaza is far from peaceful. The "ceasefire" that Israel claims to be enforcing has become a myth, perpetuated by those who would seek to maintain control over the Strip and its people. Until this myth can be shattered and real change begins to take hold, Palestinians will continue to live under siege, their future uncertain.
and I'm still reeling from it. The way she incorporates this eerie synths and her powerful vocals just gives me chills every time. Anyway, back to Gaza... have you guys ever noticed how some artists can capture a mood or emotion so perfectly through their music? It's like they're speaking directly to your soul. 
. It feels like no matter how many times there's a "ceasefire", it just doesn't stick. I keep thinking about all those kids who got hurt or worse, and it just breaks my heart 
. I wish people would stop using the word "ceasefire" if it's not actually working... it's just confusing everyone 
. We need real change, not just words on a page 
. I just hope someone is listening to the people in Gaza and actually doing something about it 
. This is all so exhausting...
I'm so done with all this politics and conflict...my anxiety levels are already through the roof 
Does anyone know what we can do to help? I feel like we're just sitting around while people suffer 
I've been following the news and it's like a never-ending nightmare. First, they're all like "peace" and then BAM! Another airstrike happens and everyone's lives get ruined again. It's just not right. 
Can't we all just try to live in peace for once? 
The fact that kids as young as 7 have been killed or hurt in these attacks is just heartbreaking and unacceptable.
They deserve better than to live under siege with no safety or security. We should be ashamed that we're not doing more to help them. 
I'm just thinking that these airstrikes are really scary for everyone involved 
. The fact that kids as young as 7 years old got hurt or killed is just heartbreaking 
. I feel so bad for the people living in Gaza, they deserve better 
. The fact that aid is restricted and homes are being demolished is just cruel 
. It's hard to understand why this keeps happening over and over again 
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. and now there's this whole "ceasefire" thing that nobody really believes in anymore... it's all just a facade, you know? The fact that Palestinians are still living under siege, with no real hope for the future... it's just too much 
.
We need some real change, like actual peace talks, not just propaganda to keep us quiet. 
. And can we talk about the propaganda game they're playing? "The administration's continued claims about the ceasefire have become nothing short of propaganda." Yeah, no kidding! It's like they're trying to gaslight everyone into thinking everything is fine when it's not 
. And can you believe the Israeli military said it targeted senior Hamas fighters but kids as young as 7 got killed or hurt in the process? 
It's like they're living in a war zone. And don't even get me started on the restrictions on humanitarian aid... it's just cruel 
It's hard to tell what's real and what's not when it comes to all this.
, but I don't see any proof of that from Israeli sources... how can we trust what they say when it's all over media? 
Those civilian casualties are devastating, and I'm still trying to wrap my head around kids as young as 7 being killed in these strikes... what's the real motive here? 