The northern part of Gaza City was illuminated by the setting sun on Tuesday evening as Izzat Al-Qawasmeh and his 11-year-old son Mohamed navigated through debris to reach the top of a building that was once a home to many. Surrounded by the remnants of destroyed buildings, a field of white tents where people now reside lay below. Dressed as Santa Claus, the father and son decided to bring gifts to the tent city.
Mohamed carried a bunch of red and white balloons while Al-Qawasmeh played melancholic tunes on his saxophone, a profession he had for two decades before the war and continues to pursue. Later that evening, he was set to perform at a wedding. “With the beginning of the New Year, we wanted to do something that would uplift people’s spirits and offer them hope,” Al-Qawasmeh expressed.
In the vicinity of Al-Maqousi Towers in northern Gaza City, once a vibrant neighborhood bustling with life, the atmosphere was now quiet as Al-Qawasmeh’s saxophone echoed through the mostly deserted streets. Approaching some tents, with a backdrop of rubble, a group of children gathered around.
A young girl in all red emerged from a tent with her mother smiling in the background. Mohamed handed her a red balloon, which she waved at the small audience. “The well-being of our children is paramount to us,” stated Al-Qawasmeh, a father of three. “I am hopeful that 2026 will bring positive changes to Gaza, ushering in a new era of rebuilding and rejuvenation.”
In another neighborhood, Al-Rimal, located west of Gaza City, other Palestinians shared their aspirations for the New Year. “Despite the challenges we faced during the war, we remain resilient even in the face of harsh conditions,” remarked 32-year-old Mohammed Shatat. “Our ultimate dream is to return to the comfort of our homes.”
Since the ceasefire mediated by the United States commenced on October 10, the prospects of a peace resolution in Gaza have remained uncertain. Life conditions within the territory have not seen substantial improvements as expected. Despite pledges from Israel to allow 600 aid trucks daily into Gaza, United Nations data shows that only around 113 trucks entered the region in October and November.
Reports indicate that over 300 Palestinians have lost their lives due to Israeli airstrikes since the ceasefire, with 900 individuals sustaining injuries. Israel has attributed these strikes to Hamas provocations. Israel recently announced the suspension of over two dozen humanitarian organizations from operating in Gaza for non-compliance with new registration regulations.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) warned that despite avoiding a full-blown famine, residents in Gaza continue to face starvation, highlighting the fragile situation. With winter rains causing flooding in the Gaza Strip last weekend, exacerbating living conditions, Al-Qawasmeh remains optimistic despite the uncertainty ahead.
Al-Qawasmeh expressed that while a promising future may seem distant, he holds onto the belief that better days are on the horizon. “In the forthcoming days, we anticipate joy, happiness, and the dissipation of hardships,” he remarked. As the crowd of children clapped along to the music and danced in the dimming sunlight, the spirit of hope and resilience was palpable.