Lebanon deal leaves Palestinians in Gaza feeling abandoned

The prospect of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah without a similar deal with Hamas in Gaza has left Palestinians feeling abandoned and fearful that Israel will focus squarely on its onslaught in the enclave.

Diplomacy has focused on Lebanon, which was dragged into the war after Hezbollah began firing missiles at Israel in solidarity with Hamas following the attack on Israel in October 2023 that triggered the Gaza war.

Palestinians now feel let down by the world after 14 months of conflict that has devastated the Gaza Strip and killed more than 44,000 people.

"It shows Gaza is an orphan, with no support and no mercy from an unjust world," said Abdel-Ghani, a father of five.

Hezbollah had insisted before it would not agree to a ceasefire until the war in Gaza ends but it has since dropped that condition.

"We had high hopes Hezbollah would remain steadfast until the end," said Tamer Al-Burai. "We are afraid the Israeli army will now have a free hand in Gaza."

Israel has vowed to eliminate Hamas completely.

"We hoped expansion of the war meant one solution for all, but we were left alone in the face of the monstrous [Israeli] occupation," said Zakeya Rezik. "How many more have to die before they stop the war?"

REUTERS