The cease-fire in Gaza has brought a fragile calm after months of relentless airstrikes and blockade, offering residents a brief respite from fear – but not from hardship.
With cash in short supply, many Palestinians find themselves unable to buy even basic necessities without falling prey to wartime profiteers.
Banks – many damaged or reduced to rubble alongside homes, schools and government buildings – began reopening Oct. 16, six days after the truce took effect.
A drone view shows a heavily damaged building housing the Bank of Palestine, following Israeli strikes, Gaza City, Palestine, Oct. 28, 2025. (Reuters Photo)
Long lines quickly formed outside, but hopes for relief soon turned to frustration as most left empty-handed.
