Gaza Residents Fear Iran Conflict Will Overshadow Ceasefire Progress

Palestinians in Gaza worry that escalating tensions between Iran and Israel could derail recent ceasefire momentum and reconstruction efforts. Border closures following weekend strikes have already led to supply shortages and rising prices for basic goods.

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Palestinian residents express concern that escalating conflict involving Iran could shift global attention away from Gaza’s delicate situation, coming just days after President Trump secured billions in reconstruction pledges and worked to advance ceasefire negotiations.

Local inhabitants report anxiety about being forgotten and facing hardship, particularly after Israel shut down all border crossings following recent weekend military operations in the region of more than 2 million people.

Gaza residents interviewed by The Associated Press described hurrying to stores, haunted by memories of severe food shortages during Israel’s extended blockade last year. Portions of Gaza, particularly areas near Gaza City, experienced famine conditions.

“When the crossings shut down, everything was suspended from the market,” explained Osamda Hanoda from Khan Younis. “The prices go up, and people live in misery.”

The unstable truce between Israel and Hamas had previously allowed increased humanitarian assistance and other essential supplies to reach Gaza, though United Nations officials and aid organizations emphasize that greater quantities of medical supplies, fuel, and other necessities remain critically needed.

Currently, Palestinians have returned to stockpiling goods, with reports indicating dramatic price increases for essential items like flour.

“We are afraid of not finding milk” and diapers for children, along with food and water, explained Hassan Zanoun, who was forced to leave Rafah.

COGAT, Israel’s military organization managing civilian matters in Gaza, did not provide a response to inquiries Sunday. In their closure announcement, officials stated that food supplies within the territory “is expected to suffice for an extended period.” They also noted that the scheduled rotation of humanitarian personnel entering and leaving Gaza has been delayed.

The timing for reopening any crossing remains uncertain. Israeli officials have turned their focus to Iran, while citizens repeatedly sought shelter as warning sirens sounded.

The Gaza conflict originated with Hamas’s assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, and has been characterized throughout by limitations on people and goods permitted into the territory — along with frightened residents, including medical patients requiring treatment, attempting to leave.

Four weeks ago, Gaza’s primary Rafah border crossing with Egypt — the territory’s sole non-Israeli crossing — resumed operations, permitting limited and strictly monitored Palestinian movement in both directions. Cargo shipments remained prohibited.

Currently, all crossings have closed once more during the sacred Muslim fasting period of Ramadan, traditionally a time of voluntary deprivation, evening meals, and worship. Photographs have captured Palestinians gathering at lengthy tables amid destroyed buildings and rubble.

The Iranian strikes disrupted this pattern.

“All the people rushed to markets, and they all wanted to shop and hide,” described Abeer Awwad, who was forced to relocate from Gaza City, as news of explosions in Tehran began circulating.

Following the October 10 American-mediated ceasefire, intense combat has decreased, although routine Israeli military action persists in Gaza. The UN World Food Program has acknowledged improvements in the enclave but indicated in last week’s food security assessment that malnutrition continues.

“Households reported an average of two meals per day in February 2026, compared to one meal in July,” the report stated. “Still, one in five households consumed only one meal daily.”

Redirecting international focus back to Gaza presents difficulties for relief organizations and others as Iran seeks new leadership amid ongoing explosions in Tehran, Israel, and throughout the Middle East.

Trump has indicated that bombing operations in Iran may persist throughout the week or beyond, and cautioned Tehran of “A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE!” should it intensify attacks.

This represents a significant shift from Trump’s introduction less than two weeks earlier of his new Board of Peace, a coalition of international leaders designed to conclude the Gaza war while aspiring to address conflicts in other regions.

Despite recent progress regarding Gaza, substantial obstacles persist for the ceasefire. These include dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities, organizing and positioning an international peacekeeping force, and enabling a recently formed Palestinian administrative committee intended to oversee Gaza to enter the territory.

As Middle Eastern attention shifts to another conflict, some Palestinians identify a potential advantage: Israel’s military faces divided priorities.

“The good thing is that the sound of booms and demolitions is rare now near the yellow line,” noted Ahmed Abu Jahl, from Gaza City, referring to the boundary separating Gaza and marking approximately half the territory under Israeli military control.

“Even the drones, they are still flying overhead, but their number has gone down.”