"Fear Still Reigns"
"Eliminate Hamas": Gazan Residents Make Controversial Plea for IDF to Complete Mission
After nearly two years of war, residents are closely following news of a potential agreement, but many refuse to believe a ceasefire is real until a deal is physically signed, while some pray for Hamas’s destruction.
As reports circulate about momentum toward a hostage deal and potential ceasefire, residents of the Gaza Strip are watching developments with a mix of cautious optimism, profound distrust, and deep fear. Speaking to N12 and on Palestinian social media, voices from Gaza reflected the immense pressure of nearly two years of continuous war.
Many residents are unable to relax despite the progress in negotiations. Silwan, a resident, described the pervasive atmosphere: "There is fear of what will happen after the war, that poses a very great danger for us. Every movement is surprising and fear still reigns. The shelling has not stopped, and the sounds of planes have not quieted down yet."
Yet, some hold onto hope for an end to the fighting. Iman, another resident, expressed her optimism: "I hope the war will end and all the Israeli hostages return to their families and homes, G-d willing. I am optimistic."
In a rare public condemnation, Iman harshly denounced the October 7 massacre carried out by Hamas. "October 7 was a terrible terror crime against innocent civilians," she stated. "The kidnapping of Israeli citizens and the sweet, miserable Bibas children, and the kidnapping of the elderly... all of this is a terrible crime that is not acceptable at all. If G-d wills it, the Israeli military will complete the mission and eliminate Hamas. After the hostages are released, I believe they will be eliminated in special operations."
Widespread Scepticism and Calls for Disarmament
Despite the optimism, a prevailing atmosphere of disbelief exists regarding the ceasefire reports. Juma, a resident, explained the lack of faith: "The people in Gaza do not believe it. They say that only when it actually happens and when they see it on the ground, will they believe there is a ceasefire. But now? No one believes there really is a ceasefire." While people are happy about the progress toward a deal, the uncertainty surrounding the future governance of Hamas remains a major concern.
The mood on Palestinian social media is characterized by confusion and anxiety, but also includes some calls for disarmament. Ahmad, a Gaza resident, wrote directly about the group’s weaponry: "Hamas's weapons are used to terrorize the residents of Gaza. Disarming Hamas and its weapons from Gaza will be the best service to two million people."
Another writer, Mustafa Asfour, passionately criticized those who call Hamas's response to the peace plan "smart." He questioned: "After what? Two years of mass murder? Two years of destruction? Smart for what? Two years of displacement of two million Palestinians inside Gaza? Two years of hunger? In the national tradition, this is called treason and collaboration. These traitors are not intelligent at all. If they were, they would not have started the biggest act of betrayal in the history of the Palestinian struggle, the Nakba of October 7. Respect our opinion, and respect the blood of those who said enough of death."
Karim, a third resident, focused on the immediate implementation of the deal. "With all the positive news, the most crucial wait now is for the implementation of the first phase of the plan, the delivery of all hostages, both living and dead, alike." He believes completing this phase would effectively strip the war of its meaning and remove the leverage currently held by both sides. "Everyone in Gaza is praying for the end of this war. Trump's announcement was the first hope I saw in the eyes of Gaza residents for a real end to this tragedy. Do it, Trump, and stop the war."
Mistrust of Politics and Leadership
Tamer, a resident, expressed cynicism about the political process, noting the current situation is an unprecedented "ceasefire for negotiation" which could collapse at any moment due to misunderstandings. He speculated that President Trump is "less concerned with peace than with a Nobel Prize, proving he is a 'man of peace,' even if the region burns afterward." Tamer concludes, "Netanyahu understands this, and therefore he will be given enough time to increase the chances of winning."