Palestinians in the Gaza Strip expressed relief on Monday that Israel had halted its two-year military offensive in the territory, and that hostages and prisoners had been exchanged. Still, many felt there was little to celebrate.
Two years of war left the enclave in ruins, its cities reduced to rubble, tens of thousands dead and the health system devastated. Despair and hopelessness are pervasive, and many no longer see a future.
“It’s important that the bombing has stopped, but there’s nothing to be happy about,” said Saed Abu Aita (44), who is displaced in central Gaza. “My two daughters were killed, my home was destroyed and my health has deteriorated.”
Israel’s military campaign against Hamas killed more than 67,000 people in Gaza, according to local health officials. Their tolls do not specify the number of combatants but they say thousands were children.
Some in Gaza said they do not see the release on Monday of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners –
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