Understanding Gaza’s Reality Amid Global Peace Efforts
While the United States inaugurated its new Board of Peace (BoP) in Washington, DC, Palestinians in Gaza continue to endure a harsh and uncertain existence. Instead of engaging in diplomatic dialogues or political negotiations, countless displaced individuals face an urgent question: will their suffering ever ease?
The Harsh Realities faced by Displaced Gazans
in central and southern Gaza, where hundreds of thousands remain uprooted from their homes due to ongoing conflict, survival is the primary concern. Amal Joudeh, 43, currently living in a makeshift tent in Deir el-Balah after losing her home in Beit Lahiya, expressed deep frustration: “We hear about aid pledges for Gaza but witness no tangible change. This cycle repeats endlessly.” She also shared that her husband and children are injured and stressed the critical need for reconstruction or any form of meaningful assistance.
A Personal Account from Displacement
Awad al-Ghoul, 70 years old and displaced from Rafah to Az-Zawayda over eighteen months ago, described the BoP as “a forum dominated by powerful nations with little real impact on our daily hardships.” He pointed out that despite ceasefire agreements since last October’s truce, Israeli attacks have continued unabated-resulting in over 600 Palestinian deaths caused by gunfire alone.
“If this peace board cannot stop daily assaults on tiny Gaza, how can it resolve conflicts worldwide?”
The Financial Divide Between Promises and Reality
During the BoP meeting held in Washington DC, President Trump announced commitments totaling $7 billion pledged by nine countries aimed at rebuilding Gaza. Additionally, plans were unveiled for an International Stabilisation Force involving five nations. The US itself promised $10 billion to support these initiatives but did not specify how these funds would be allocated.
Despite these seemingly substantial figures on paper, they pale compared to UN estimates which place reconstruction costs near $75 billion following years of relentless bombardment that devastated infrastructure across Palestinian territories.
Doubts Surrounding Fund Distribution
Skepticism runs high among Gazans regarding whether pledged funds will reach those most affected.Al-Ghoul voiced concerns that much of this money would be consumed by administrative expenses rather than directly aiding local communities: “Most will vanish into bureaucratic salaries while only crumbs trickle down.” Jamal Abu Makhdeh from Deir el-Balah shares similar doubts:
“The Board’s promises are hollow words crafted for media attention; Israel’s interests dominate every decision.”
The Unfulfilled Promise of reconstruction Efforts
No definitive strategies emerged during the BoP announcement concerning rebuilding homes or restoring vital services destroyed throughout more than two years of conflict. For many like al-Ghoul:
“Reconstruction means nothing if Israel continues its daily destruction.”
This viewpoint resonates widely among Gazans who perceive peace talks as empty without enforceable measures preventing further violence.
Despite adversity, Amal Joudeh holds onto hope: she dreams simply “to restore normalcy,” including reopening schools so children can leave tents behind and return to stable education environments.
The Political Complexities Hindering progress
A notable barrier lies within demands tied to disarming Hamas under current truce conditions-a move viewed by some as intended more to fracture Palestinian unity internally than achieve lasting peace:
“Disarming Hamas risks igniting internal conflict while external aggression remains unchecked,” warned Abu Makhdeh.
An International Force: A Ray of Hope or Mere Illusion?
the idea of deploying an international peacekeeping force has generated cautious optimism among some residents like al-Ghoul who compare it with UNIFIL troops stationed successfully in Lebanon:
“if deployed transparently as a deterrent against attacks-it could prevent further bloodshed.”
A Universal Call Beyond Politics: Security and Justice Above All Else
Beneath complex geopolitical debates lie simple human aspirations echoed throughout Gaza’s streets-security,peace ,and reclaiming lost homes.
Al-Ghoul summed up his heartfelt wish:
“I want my neighborhood back-even if I must live there again under arduous conditions-provided that we are free.”
“We demand justice once-for our people exhausted beyond measure-to live peacefully with basic rights guaranteed,” concluded Abu Makhdeh.
