One year after a US-brokered ceasefire was announced in Gaza, many Palestinians say they have yet to experience the peace they were promised. Continued Israeli airstrikes, widespread displacement and the lack of reconstruction have left residents struggling to rebuild their lives.
Fatima Awkal, a displaced woman living in Gaza City, expressed her frustration in an interview with Agence France-Presse (AFP). She said conditions had not improved and that people continued to face deaths, injuries and the constant sound of drones overhead.
The ceasefire was intended to reduce violence and create conditions for Gaza’s recovery. However, residents living in displacement camps say their daily struggles remain largely unchanged.
Continued Attacks Leave Residents Fearful
Although the intensity of Israeli attacks has reportedly decreased, strikes have continued across the Gaza Strip. According to reporting published on October 11, 2026, Israel controls about 70% of the territory.
For many families, the ceasefire has not brought a return to normal life. Destroyed homes, damaged infrastructure and unsafe living conditions continue to prevent thousands of displaced Palestinians from returning home.
Ahmed Jonaid, a 51-year-old displaced resident, told AFP that he had hoped the ceasefire would allow his family to return home. Instead, he said, they remained in displacement camps, sleeping on makeshift bedding.
The situation reflects the gap between the promises associated with the truce and the conditions experienced by civilians on the ground.
Gaza Reconstruction Remains a Major Challenge
Rebuilding Gaza remains one of the biggest challenges facing the territory. According to United Nations figures cited in recent reporting, around 82% of standing structures had been damaged or destroyed by mid-2026.
Many residents continue to live in tents and temporary shelters. Overcrowding, poor sanitation and limited access to essential services have made daily life increasingly difficult.
The ceasefire’s second phase was intended to support a political transition and prepare for Gaza’s post-war administration. Ali Shaath was appointed to lead the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza.
However, the planned transition has made limited progress. Hamas continues to exercise effective security control, while the proposed international stabilisation force has yet to begin operations in the territory.
Limited Aid Adds to Civilian Hardship
Access to essential supplies remains another serious concern. Residents continue to report shortages of clean drinking water, food and financial assistance.
Israel controls Gaza’s entry points and continues to restrict the flow of aid, according to recent reporting. Limited supplies have also contributed to high prices, placing additional pressure on families who have lost homes and livelihoods.
For displaced Palestinians, the passage of a year since the ceasefire has brought little visible improvement. Many remain uncertain about when they will return home or whether reconstruction will begin on a meaningful scale.
Their experiences highlight the difficulty of turning a ceasefire agreement into lasting security, humanitarian relief and recovery for Gaza’s civilian population.
