Gaza residents fearfully counting down to ceasefire: “The clock is ticking slower than ever”

In the meantime, it is a frightening countdown for the citizens of Gaza. The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas would take effect on Sunday at 12:15 p.m. local time (11:30 a.m. Belgian time). But the existence of that agreement does not prevent Israel from launching further attacks. At least 113 people have been killed since the deal was approved on Wednesday, according to civil defense officials led by Hamas.

“Time passes more slowly than ever,” said Dr. Abdallah Shabir (27), an emergency doctor at Baptist Hospital in Gaza City, told BBC. “You can lose your life at any moment. Sitting at home, walking on the street – there is no warning.” When news of the agreement reached the hospital on Wednesday evening, there was a brief moment of happiness. But less than an hour after the news, another series of rockets were fired and the wounded poured into the hospital. “It was the worst thing we’ve ever seen,” said Dr. Shabir. “Severe injuries, severe burns. Lots of deaths, of course.”

Outdoor

The agreement also allows millions of refugee residents to return to their homes. Although most of them may find nothing but rubble. “My house is completely destroyed, the building is gone,” Sabreen Doshan, 45, who owned a street kiosk and lived in a residential block in Gaza City, told BBC. She lost 17 family members during the war and wants to return to her home from central Gaza. “Even if I have to pitch my tent on rubble, it’s OK because then I’m home,” she said. “Nowhere can I be satisfied now except at home.” (Read more below the photo)

In addition to the joy that some peace will return to the Gaza Strip, there is also fear. “The biggest challenge is whether the ceasefire will be successfully implemented,” said Juliette Touma, communications director for the UN refugee agency UNRWA. “If so, the challenge ahead remains absolutely enormous. The vast majority of shelters are overcrowded. Many simply live in the open air or in makeshift structures. They lack basic needs such as warm clothing. I wouldn’t call these living conditions, they are not conditions that are suitable for people.”