Palestinian residents of the Gaza Strip are growing increasingly pessimistic about the prospects for a meaningful improvement in their lives as the second phase of the ceasefire takes hold. The US announcement on Wednesday that it would be launching this new phase has only served to reinforce the sense of futility among those living under Israeli occupation.
While Israel's military actions have not ceased entirely, the easing of hostilities has allowed aid to trickle into Gaza - a small consolation in a region where poverty and unemployment rates are among the highest in the world. However, even this basic necessity remains out of reach for many due to the devastating blockade that has been imposed on the territory.
Gaza's residents say they have seen little change since the first phase of the ceasefire began last year. The situation remains dire: with widespread shortages of food and medicine, a crippled economy, and a lack of access to basic services such as electricity and water.
As the international community continues to tout the benefits of this latest development, Palestinians are more focused on what has yet to be achieved - an end to Israel's relentless bombing campaign and the unimpeded entry of vital aid into Gaza. Until those fundamental demands are met, they say that little will change in their lives.
While Israel's military actions have not ceased entirely, the easing of hostilities has allowed aid to trickle into Gaza - a small consolation in a region where poverty and unemployment rates are among the highest in the world. However, even this basic necessity remains out of reach for many due to the devastating blockade that has been imposed on the territory.
Gaza's residents say they have seen little change since the first phase of the ceasefire began last year. The situation remains dire: with widespread shortages of food and medicine, a crippled economy, and a lack of access to basic services such as electricity and water.
As the international community continues to tout the benefits of this latest development, Palestinians are more focused on what has yet to be achieved - an end to Israel's relentless bombing campaign and the unimpeded entry of vital aid into Gaza. Until those fundamental demands are met, they say that little will change in their lives.