"We Don't Feel Safe": A Week of Bombings Erodes Trust in Ceasefire in Gaza
For many residents of Gaza, the recent announcement of a ceasefire was a beacon of hope after years of fear and loss. However, just 48 hours later, Ameen al-Zein's body lay lifeless on the floor of his school in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, after being killed in an Israeli bombing. His wife Maryam expressed her shock and disappointment at the renewed violence, saying "the feeling didn't last" as Israel violated the ceasefire again.
According to official figures, 115 people were killed and 352 injured during a devastating 24-hour period of bombardment by Israel this week. The Gaza health ministry confirmed that the strikes were the deadliest day in the territory since the ceasefire was put in place on October 10th. One of the most significant days of violence in the entire two-year conflict.
The ongoing barrage has created widespread fear and uncertainty among the population, with many worried that the ceasefire is nothing more than a temporary reprieve from the chaos. Hussain Abu Munir, a 40-year-old nurse, described his daily commute to work as an "uncertain journey" without protection or assurance. He fears for his life as he travels through the Netzarim checkpoint into northern Gaza.
Despite international assurances that the ceasefire would hold, Israel struck Gaza again on Wednesday, this time citing a Hamas weapons cache as the target. The continued strikes have raised concerns that the situation is mirroring Lebanon's experience of daily airstrikes despite a year-old truce.
For Ikram Nasser, an English teacher in her 30s, the ceasefire has been a bitter disappointment. She had hoped it would provide the safety needed to return her children and students to the classroom after two years of interrupted education. Instead, she has witnessed children regressing socially as they struggle to cope with the harsh realities of life under siege.
Nasser described how some children have become more aggressive and rough due to their circumstances, chasing after food distributions or aid trucks in a desperate bid for survival. "These children now chase after food distributions, aid trucks or even water tankers," she said. In the early days of the ceasefire, however, Nasser had seen glimmers of hope as students flocked back to class and children began to rekindle their love of learning.
The recent week of bombings has shattered any remaining illusions that life in Gaza can soon return to normal. For many residents, including mothers like Nasser, the situation remains "extremely difficult" and there is no trust that the ceasefire will hold.
For many residents of Gaza, the recent announcement of a ceasefire was a beacon of hope after years of fear and loss. However, just 48 hours later, Ameen al-Zein's body lay lifeless on the floor of his school in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, after being killed in an Israeli bombing. His wife Maryam expressed her shock and disappointment at the renewed violence, saying "the feeling didn't last" as Israel violated the ceasefire again.
According to official figures, 115 people were killed and 352 injured during a devastating 24-hour period of bombardment by Israel this week. The Gaza health ministry confirmed that the strikes were the deadliest day in the territory since the ceasefire was put in place on October 10th. One of the most significant days of violence in the entire two-year conflict.
The ongoing barrage has created widespread fear and uncertainty among the population, with many worried that the ceasefire is nothing more than a temporary reprieve from the chaos. Hussain Abu Munir, a 40-year-old nurse, described his daily commute to work as an "uncertain journey" without protection or assurance. He fears for his life as he travels through the Netzarim checkpoint into northern Gaza.
Despite international assurances that the ceasefire would hold, Israel struck Gaza again on Wednesday, this time citing a Hamas weapons cache as the target. The continued strikes have raised concerns that the situation is mirroring Lebanon's experience of daily airstrikes despite a year-old truce.
For Ikram Nasser, an English teacher in her 30s, the ceasefire has been a bitter disappointment. She had hoped it would provide the safety needed to return her children and students to the classroom after two years of interrupted education. Instead, she has witnessed children regressing socially as they struggle to cope with the harsh realities of life under siege.
Nasser described how some children have become more aggressive and rough due to their circumstances, chasing after food distributions or aid trucks in a desperate bid for survival. "These children now chase after food distributions, aid trucks or even water tankers," she said. In the early days of the ceasefire, however, Nasser had seen glimmers of hope as students flocked back to class and children began to rekindle their love of learning.
The recent week of bombings has shattered any remaining illusions that life in Gaza can soon return to normal. For many residents, including mothers like Nasser, the situation remains "extremely difficult" and there is no trust that the ceasefire will hold.
this is just insane! A whole week of bombings and people are still hoping for a ceasefire? It's like they're not listening to the devastation happening right in front of them. Newsflash: you can't just bomb your way out of a problem, Israel! The fact that the Gaza health ministry confirmed it was the deadliest day since the ceasefire started is just a slap in the face to everyone who's been crying out for peace.
I just can't imagine what it's like living under siege for two years already... I feel so sorry for these families, especially the children who've been affected by this violence. It's heartbreaking to see them regress socially because of the harsh realities of life. My grandfather used to tell me about the importance of education and how it can bring people out of poverty. I wish Ikram Nasser and her students could find some peace and security soon. The international community needs to step in and provide more support to these families. 
It's not just about the number of deaths or injuries, but also about giving hope back to these people. 
anyone think israel gonna just keep bombing away without even caring about the civilians ? 
its not like they are fighting an army , its people with kids & elderly 
what if another bomb goes off in a school or hospital ? 
this is bloody ridiculous 
it's like they think the ceasefire was never gonna last anyway 
newsflash: 115 ppl dead and 352 injured in one day is not a minor annoyance, it's a full-blown disaster 
ceasefire or no ceasefire, ppl in Gaza deserve better 
... it destroys hopes, dreams, lives 
the ceasefire is supposed to be a beacon of hope but it seems like Israel's actions are shattering that 
. these ppl r livin in constant fear now 
, what even is the point of a truce if u can just violate it whenever u want? 
i'm literally shaking thinking about all those innocent lives lost 
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. And another thing, can we please make the comments section bigger?! It's hard to read between the lines with all these short paragraphs 
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this whole thing is just really sad, you know? like, i get it, tensions are high and stuff, but a week of bombings? that's just a lot for ppl to handle. and what's the point of even having a ceasefire if ur gonna keep finding new reasons to bomb ppl? 
It's heartbreaking. The fact that there's no trust in the ceasefire is a huge red flag and I'm worried about the future of Gaza 
The international community needs to do more to support these people and ensure their safety 
