The streets of Gaza echo with a profound desire for peace. Facing adversity, residents unite in support of the ceasefire, striving to restore their lives and futures.

Yet, their struggle is compounded by internal oppression, as Hamas tightens its grip on the Strip, exploiting the crisis for its own gain.

A United front for peace

For the people of Gaza, the ceasefire represents more than a pause in hostilities, it’s a lifeline.

Families, torn apart by conflict, see it as a chance to heal. Community leaders, activists, and everyday citizens work tirelessly to preserve it, even as they face mounting challenges from within.

Hamas, the de facto controller of Gaza, has been documented engaging in extrajudicial killings, targeting dissenters and those who challenge its rule.

These actions sow fear among residents, stifling their ability to freely advocate for peace.

In May, hundreds of Gazans participated in three days of renewed protests against Hamas. Demonstrators in southern Gaza chanted, “Out! Out! Out! All of Hamas, out!”

Since the first anti-Hamas protests began in late March, Hamas operatives have tried to discredit the movement by labeling protesters as traitors and issuing threats.

Hamas members have reportedly beaten reporters and photographers while also threatening their lives and families. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, they have suppressed media coverage of the protests.

In addition to violence, Hamas has been accused of hoarding food and supplies meant for the most vulnerable.

International aid, critical for survival, often fails to reach those in need. Instead, reports suggest it is diverted to bolster Hamas’s power, leaving families to face hunger and deprivation.

Despite these challenges, local volunteers and grassroots organizations work tirelessly to distribute resources, ensuring aid reaches those who need it most.

Rebuilding lives amid oppression

Despite the dual challenges of external conflict and internal repression, Gaza’s residents focus on rebuilding.

Markets reopen, schools resume, and families repair homes damaged by the conflict. The ceasefire brings a semblance of normalcy, though uncertainty lingers.

The people of Gaza understand the stakes. Every effort to uphold the ceasefire and resist oppression is a step toward lasting peace. The commitment to maintaining the ceasefire proves that even in the darkest times, hope can prevail.