Gaza ceasefire still not a 'reality' for residents | NHK WORLD

Gaza ceasefire still not a 'reality' for residents

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been in place for nearly a year, but for many families in Gaza, the violence and loss continue.

Palestinian media said Israeli gunfire in central Gaza on Friday killed one person. Several others were injured.

Local officials say that 1,471 people have been killed since the ceasefire took effect last October, and more than 74,000 people have died in the conflict that began three years ago. They estimate about 9,500 people remain missing. Many are believed to be trapped beneath the rubble. Israel has restricted the flow of supplies into the strip, which has left rescue crews without enough heavy equipment to clear debris.

Abd al-Rahman al-Zanati lives with his family in a damaged building. He lost his 14-year-old son in an attack. He said the boy was trying to help injured people but was caught in a second strike.

He said; "I honestly don't know how to put my feelings into words. The ceasefire hasn't become a reality. Every day, people are killed or hurt. I worry about myself, my family and everyone around me. No one is truly safe."

A UN agency estimates about 44,000 people are still living in unsafe buildings, and nearly half of Gaza's hospitals still cannot provide medical services.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that his forces have achieved significant results against Hamas. He said they have killed 4,000 people linked to the attack against Israel that started the fighting. He vowed to eliminate Hamas "rule" over Gaza.

However, polls suggest many Israelis are not convinced. The Institute for National Security Studies in Israel found last month that only 27 percent believed Israel had won. And just 38 percent said their "security situation" had improved.