### A Fragile Respite: The Emotional Impact of a Ceasefire in Gaza
On Monday morning, a large part of Gaza’s population discovered a new breath of hope. That day, the sky remained calm, without the oppressive presence of Israeli drones, for the first time in 15 months. Children, often the invisible victims of protracted conflicts, ran through the streets and played innocently, a sight that contrasted sharply with the atmospheres of fear and anxiety that had prevailed until recently.
The absence of drone noise, as Wafa Shallouf said, allows families to return to maternal supervision without the constant fear of catastrophe. The images of smiles in Al-Mawasi, while heartening, should not disguise a darker reality: the road to psychological healing is still long. While the joy of seeing children play and sleep peacefully is palpable, it is also tainted by deep sorrow for the losses endured.
#### A Reflection on Psychological Well-Being
This phenomenon can be approached from the perspective of the psychological impact of war on children. According to UNICEF, nearly 400,000 children are currently living with post-traumatic stress disorder in Palestine. The behaviors observed in Al-Mawasi—laughter and play—represent an attempt to reset the norms of life, but psychological reconstruction is a challenge often overlooked in the discourse on conflict.
### Historical Comparisons: Humanity in the Heart of Gadour
To better understand this situation, it is interesting to compare Gaza to other regions such as Lebanon, which has experienced decades of conflict. During the Lebanese civil war, the return to peace was often followed by a temporary euphoria, masking deep pain. Generations dealing with complex trauma have often turned to art, music and writing as a means of collective healing. This need for expression could play a crucial role for Gaza’s children in the future. Art and therapy programmes could provide young people with a space to process and externalise their traumatic experiences.
#### Reconstruction: Another Struggle
Ziad Al-Amri’s account of his plans to rebuild his life despite the destruction of his home raises the issue of both material and spiritual reconstruction. While the ceasefire offers a breath of fresh air, a long-term plan to support Palestinian resilience is essential. According to the Stockholm Peace Research Institution, protracted conflicts cause irreparable damage to infrastructure, requiring massive investments in reconstruction and psychosocial support. The mobilisation of NGOs and international agencies must therefore be swift and effective to transform this fragile lull into a new, constructive momentum.
### A Fleeting or Lasting Hope?
The recent celebration in Gaza is heartwarming, but the question remains: is it a temporary respite from a cycle of violence or a turning point toward lasting peace? As Abu Mohammed’s words attest, these children have spent sleepless nights waiting for this day, but their newfound happiness must be nurtured by a strong support system.
The process of healing and rebuilding communities must be at the forefront, as must developing a framework for peaceful coexistence. The children of Gaza deserve a future where they can not only play safely but also dream beyond the noise of war.
In these moments of respite, the humanity displayed by Gazans deserves to be celebrated as much as vigilance for the future. As the world watches, it is imperative not to lose sight of the real challenge: building a better future for those who have been harmed by years of suffering. The path is arduous, but each smile of a child playing under a calm sky is a reminder that hope and resilience are indomitable forces. It is a call to all parts of the world to transform this lull into a collective movement for peace.