Gaza Life Remains Bleak Three Years After War's Start

Three years after the start of the war in Gaza, life in the Strip has yet to return to normal, with residents living amidst destruction, displacement, and a lack of basic necessities, according to human rights activist Mustafa Ibrahim from Gaza City. Ibrahim stated in a phone interview on Radio Al-Shams that three years of war have resulted in killing, destruction, fear, displacement, hunger, and shortages of water and food. He noted that the ceasefire has not led to a genuine recovery or reconstruction for the residents.

Daily life continues to be dominated by fear and anxiety, with dilapidated tents and crumbling houses, and shrinking living spaces. Restrictions on movement and the entry of aid persist. Recent UN reports indicate that the ceasefire, which began in October 2025, ended large-scale military operations but not violence, with ongoing strikes and access restrictions to large areas of the Strip, while humanitarian needs remain significant.

Ibrahim explained that Gazans are not waiting for political plans or conferences but for essential needs like food, water, aid, open crossings, and the start of reconstruction. He mentioned that discussions about Gaza's administration or international councils have not materialized into tangible realities for residents, and the National Committee for Gaza's Administration, based on his information, still has its members outside the Strip. Palestinians face uncertainty about the future due to continued strikes, restrictions, and difficulty accessing basic services.

Regarding the Strip's administration, Ibrahim said Hamas continues to play an administrative and security role in areas where it is present, despite its diminished capabilities and lack of financial resources. Government ministries and institutions, including health, agriculture, and services, are operating at a minimum. Municipalities continue to organize markets and provide some services. Fuel shortages are a major aspect of the crisis, with limited gas entering the Strip, making it difficult to meet household needs. This minimal administration does not signify a return to normalcy, as institutions operate under exceptional conditions without sufficient resources, while reconstruction and infrastructure rebuilding remain pending.

Ibrahim added that Gaza's residents are not placing much hope in upcoming Israeli elections but are waiting for the lifting of restrictions, the start of reconstruction, and improved living conditions. Palestinians view any political change in Israel cautiously, fearing the continuation of current policies or a different pace of violence. He stressed that the priority for the Strip's residents is to return to a normal life, free from fear, displacement, and destruction. What people need now are practical steps to end their daily suffering, not more political promises.