Analysis: Gazans are ‘terrified’ and hoping this ceasefire will last more than four days
By Nicole Johnston, former Gaza based correspondent
Gazans are desperate for an end to the war and want a permanent and enduring ceasefire.
A four-day pause with a small increase in aid is no-where near enough for a war-torn population to even begin to catch its breath.
Palestinians will use this time to plan how to survive the next phase of a protected ground invasion that is edging closer to the south.
People hoped the deal would also include the freedom to move from the south to the north, even briefly, so they could check on their homes and relatives there, and bury loved ones trapped under the rubble.
It appears the hostage deal will only allow Palestinians to travel in one direction, that is north to south.
Israel claims to control the north and says it has encircled Gaza City, and is destroying the “infrastructure” of Hamas, especially its extensive network of tunnels.
Palestinians say their cities, neighbourhoods, homes and lives are being obliterated.
What do Gazans think of the hostage deal?
In a voice note to Sky News, Gaza based journalist Shadi Abu Ahmed says: “Hopefully it (the ceasefire) will last forever. It seems the Israelis will go crazy after the ceasefire and extend their operation to the south.
“The future is unclear. It’s vague. We are terrified. We can’t plan for the next two minutes.
“The Israeli killing machine is non-stop, it’s enough. Every five minutes you have an explosion and people dying.
“People want to go back and see what happened to their house, to relax, to find food. No one has worked for almost 50 days.
“Let’s cross our fingers and hope and pray the ceasefire will last.”
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