GAZA/CAIRO: The ceasefire in Gaza has eased the trauma of Israel’s air strikes and blockade but a shortage of cash has left Palestinians unable to spend what little money they have without falling victim to wartime profiteers. Banks, many damaged or destroyed along with homes, schools and other institutions across Gaza during two years of war, began reopening on October 16, six days after the ceasefire was announced. Queues soon formed but people came away disappointed. “There is no money, liquidity at the bank,” said father-of-six Wael Abu Fares, 61, standing outside the Bank of Palestine.

GAZA/CAIRO: The ceasefire in Gaza has eased the trauma of Israel’s air strikes and blockade but a shortage of cash has left Palestinians unable to spend what little money they…

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...