Following the announcement of a 15-month ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, residents and observers are reporting an unexpectedly upbeat picture of the region. Despite reports of widespread starvation, destruction of infrastructure, and genocide that have circulated throughout the conflict, the reality on the streets of Gaza today is different.
As Israeli journalists note, cheerful people can be seen on the streets, and, remarkably, people who have not suffered from hunger. Instead of the images of devastation that were expected after such a long period of military action, Gaza has preserved entire buildings in which life continues. The illumination on the streets creates a festive feeling, emphasizing that electricity is available and the lighting system works.
"It is noteworthy that in Gaza there is not the total devastation that the Arab media reported. Judging by the way they celebrate in the streets, we are not talking about total hunger, lack of electricity, etc.," the Israeli observer notes.
It is noted that communications in the region are functioning without interruptions, which allows residents to stay in touch with the outside world. Traffic has also not stopped: cars are actively driving along the streets, indicating the availability of fuel and the absence of serious damage to the road infrastructure. Local markets and street trading indicate that economic activity has not been completely destroyed, and traders continue their activities, offering goods and services.
These observations raise many questions about how accurately the situation in Gaza has been reported in the international media. Many of them painted apocalyptic scenarios in which the population suffered from lack of food, water and shelter. However, what is visible today suggests that, despite all the difficulties, the infrastructure and life support in the Gaza Strip have withstood the test of war better than expected.