In brief
Nearly six months post-ceasefire, Gazans face skyrocketing prices and goods shortages as the region's focus shifts to Iran's conflicts. Despite a framework for peace presented by the US, uncertainties loom over Hamas's willingness to disarm, leaving many in Gaza feeling forgotten and desolate amidst ongoing hardships.
Nearly six months after a fragile ceasefire came into force in Gaza, Palestinians in this war-torn territory are still struggling. In the markets, there are again shortages of some goods and rising prices – with merchants saying supplies brought in from Israel have been disrupted by the new war in the region.What does the war between Iran and Israel have to do with us? Prices have doubled here. Goods aren't coming in like before, says a shopper, Hassan Faqawi, despairingly. In this situation, the whole world is focused on Iran, America and Israel, and Gaza is forgotten.While world attention has turned to the Iran conflict, there is increasing uncertainty about what happens in Gaza at a crucial stage in President Trump's 20-point peace plan, which halted the fighting in October last year.In the past week at the UN Security Council, the High Representative for Gaza on the US-led Board of Peace, Nickolay Mladenov, laid out a detailed plan for Palestinian armed groups to decommission their weapons - linking compliance to the start of reconstruction.However, a Palestinian official familiar with Hamas affairs indicated that the group is likely to reject the proposals. This raises the prospect of a return to full military offensive as Israel's prime minister demands that Hamas disarm either the easy way or the hard way.The ongoing economic struggles are severely exacerbated by external factors, as humanitarian agencies warn that despite the promises of aid and rebuilding infrastructure, much more needs to be done.Amidst environmental challenges like severe rains causing sewage overflow, Gaza’s residents continue to face daily hardships. While Hamas adapts by reinforcing its control and levying heavy taxes on goods, the future remains uncertain for those caught in the ongoing conflict and power struggles.
