Displaced Palestinians in Gaza hope to rebuild their lives in 2026 amid uncertainties

Palestinians in Gaza Strip are clinging to hope for safety, recovery and the chance to rebuild their lives for the New Year, despite the shadow of war, displacement and loss.

For many displaced Palestinians, the year 2026 is a moment of reflection rather than celebration -- a pause to consider what has been lost and what might still be rebuilt.

Among them is Samah Haboub, a young Palestinian chef who once owned a restaurant in the enclave. The war destroyed both her business and her home, forcing her into displacement. Still, she says the New Year represents a chance to start again.

"I hope that 2026 will compensate me for all the losses I suffered during the years of war. I wish to rebuild my home, reopen my restaurant, and see my children return to school after being deprived of their most basic right to education. I hope our lives can return to what they once were," Haboub told China Global Television Network (CGTN).

Samah's story reflects the reality of thousands of families across Gaza, many of whom have spent the past few years living in temporary shelters. They wait for an end to displacement and a chance to return home.

"Our wish is to be free from wars and suffering, and return to our homes instead of living in these tents. Winter is very hard on everyone," said Jamil Qaddoum, a displaced Palestinian.

Palestinians are looking forward to the next stage of the ceasefire, in hopes that the new year will bring tangible changes towards recovery.

"With the beginning of the New Year, we are looking toward the immediate start of the second phase of the ceasefire, paving the way for recovery, the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces, and the opening of crossings to allow all types of aid to enter, especially shelter supplies and mobile homes, so we can provide safe and dignified housing for displaced families," said Amjad Al-Shawa, head of the Palestinian NGO Network.

For Gaza's displaced population, the New Year is defined by whether promises translate into concrete steps toward relief, reconstruction and a return to normal life.

China Global Television Network