In the midst of a truce between Israel and Hamas, displaced families in Gaza took a short break from their cramped shelters to visit the beach. While children played and splashed in the water, the parents couldn't help but remember the hardships they faced due to war and homelessness. Asmaa al-Sultan, a displaced woman from northern Gaza, sat on the sand with her mother, who quietly shed tears. Over 30 members of the al-Sultan family, along with hundreds of other displaced people, are seeking shelter in a U.N. school in the town of Deir Al-Balah.

The conditions in the tent camps and schools are grueling, with overcrowding, lack of proper sanitation, and long queues for basic necessities. The beach at Deir Al-Balah provided a temporary escape, but the feeling of depression and despair still lingered. While others come to the beach to relax and have fun with their families, the displaced individuals could not shake the feeling of sadness and the constant worry. Many families have been driven out of their homes in northern Gaza due to Israel's military assault.

These families have sought refuge in tents, schools, or with friends and relatives in the southern part of the strip. The psychological impact of bombardment and displacement has only added to their hardships. The beach at Deir Al-Balah, lined with fishermen's huts, has become a temporary home for some displaced individuals. Clothes hang on strings outside these flimsy huts, symbolizing the resilience and perseverance of those trying to find shelter and a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos.

Waleed al-Sultan, a member of the al-Sultan family, was seen preparing to go out fishing in a small boat, hoping that the truce would allow him to do so without danger. He had initially thought that fishing could provide him with a means of living, but his plans were disrupted when Israeli guards began shooting at him and others. The fear and uncertainty of what lies ahead is a constant worry for the families in Gaza. As the four-day truce draws to a close, some displaced individuals have ventured back to their homes in the north, hoping to find them still standing. However, many are too fearful to return due to the extensive damage caused by the conflict.

The future remains uncertain for these families, and they live with the constant fear of being shot at by Israeli soldiers. Hazem al-Sultan, Asmaa's husband, expresses the collective fear and uncertainty felt by many in Gaza. The ongoing violence has left them afraid for their children and themselves, with no clear path forward. The end of the truce only adds to their worries as they wonder what will happen next. The people of Gaza continue to live in a state of constant fear and uncertainty, hoping for a future free from violence and hardship. As the international community looks on, it is essential to address the root causes of the conflict and work towards a lasting solution that ensures the safety and well-being of all those affected by this prolonged crisis.