Gaza Ceasefire Yields Limited Relief As Cash Crisis Persists

The recent ceasefire in Gaza has reduced immediate violence but has not resolved the severe cash shortage faced by Palestinians, with many banks damaged and liquidity lacking, forcing residents to rely on costly merchant cash exchanges or barter. Hamas has returned the bodies of two Israeli hostages as part of the ceasefire agreement, which includes releasing living hostages in exchange for Palestinian detainees, though delays in recovering remaining bodies continue to heighten tensions. Israeli airstrikes persist on Gaza's militant sites, exacerbating civilian fears and displacement, with many Palestinians unable to return to their homes despite some Israeli military withdrawals. Personal stories highlight the human toll, such as that of Hussein Khaled Auda, who lost four children and is searching for their remains amid ongoing instability. The complex ceasefire situation reflects a fragile balance between attempts at peace and the harsh realities of ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.