The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in January offered temporary respite to individuals like Khalil al-Hakimi in Gaza, who hoped to rebuild their lives after intense conflict. However, Israel's unilateral withdrawal from the agreement led to strict blockades and escalated military actions, severely impacting the humanitarian situation. Control over Rafah has intensified the siege, resulting in significant resource shortages. Additionally, political remarks from figures like Trump have shifted narratives about the Palestinian presence, further complicating the already fragile state of Gaza as the future remains uncertain under heavy Israeli control.
Khalil al-Hakimi, a resident of Gaza, felt a weight lift when Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire in January, celebrating briefly with his family.
Despite the short-lived peace, Israel imposed a total blockade on Gaza in March, seizing 70% of the territory and resuming bombings two weeks later.
Rafah has become critical; controlling it means controlling Gaza entirely, turning the region into an Israeli-controlled enclave surrounded by military zones.
Trump's controversial suggestion that Palestinians should leave reflects a shift in international attitudes towards Gaza, amid ongoing uncertainty about its future.
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