After two years of conflict, a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect on October 9, marking a tentative step toward stability in Gaza. CGTN Stringer reports from the region reveal residents' cautious optimism and urgent calls for sustained peace.
Grandmother Salaam Shbeir, among those interviewed, described harrowing conditions during the fighting. "We had no water—charity kitchens kept us alive," she said. Now, her priority is rebuilding: "I pray my son can work again, and we regain normalcy. This ceasefire must hold."
While humanitarian aid slowly resumes, challenges persist. Damaged infrastructure and disrupted livelihoods underscore the need for long-term solutions. Analysts note this ceasefire—the first mutually agreed upon in two years—could pave the way for broader negotiations if maintained.
For global observers, the developments highlight both Gaza's resilience and the complex geopolitics shaping Middle East stability. As diaspora communities and international organizations monitor progress, residents like Shbeir emphasize a universal truth: "Peace isn't just quiet guns—it's schools reopening and children laughing again."
