After two years of conflict in Gaza there is deep distrust over a peace dealpublished at 22:41 BST
22:41 BST
Hugo Bachega
Middle East correspondent, reporting from Jerusalem
Image source, AFP via Getty Images
Muhammad Saadat was selling falafels this morning outside a camp for displaced Palestinians in Nuseirat, central Gaza.
Forced to flee his home in Beit Hanoun, in the north, he wasn’t convinced that President Trump’s efforts would lead to the end of the war.
“This is empty and false news,” he says.
“The Israeli hostages will go back home. The deal will then collapse, and the war will return as before.”
After two years of a conflict that has killed more than 66,000 Palestinians and left hundreds of thousands displaced, there is deep distrust in Gaza.
But there is also hope that this time, finally, the suffering could be about to end.
Amjad Abdel Nabi was displaced from Jabalia, in northern Gaza.
“Inshallah, the news will be positive and will lead to a ceasefire because the people are very tired and some have been displaced 10 times, others 20 times.”
Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption,
Smoke rises over Gaza City after an Israeli attack, as seen from Nuseirat, Gaza on 2 October
The partial acceptance by Hamas of President Trump’s plan means the resumption of negotiations for a deal. But key sticking points remain.
In Israel, there’s cautious optimism too – that the remaining hostages, both living and dead, could return home.
Ifat Kalderon is the cousin of a former captive, Ofer, who was released in February.
“I want to call on Netanyahu because he’s my prime minister, and also the prime minister of the hostages that are still in Gaza – you had to do it so long time ago. Now is the time.”
“You’ve got to sign this agreement and we’ve got to release all the hostages, and we have to finish this bloody war.”
But amid efforts for peace, the sounds of war. Israeli air strikes continued in Gaza, despite President Trump’s call for the bombing to stop immediately.
There is huge momentum for a deal – but this is no guarantee that one will be reached.