As indirect negotiations between Israel and the militant group Hamas continue in Doha, ordinary Palestinians say the ceasefire in Gaza is starting to feel more and more hollow.

"I don't know what to say. There is simply no life. There is nothing we don't struggle with," Walaa Mahmoud, told DW by phone from Gaza City.

Mahmoud, who works for a civil society organization, says prices have skyrocketed in recent weeks.

"Pick anything — we lack clean water, there is no electricity, medical treatment is difficult to obtain, roads are in poor condition, prices are soaring, transportation is unavailable and security is nonexistent. Everything is in crisis."

This was echoed by Walid Abu Daqqa, a father of four from Gaza City whose house was completely destroyed during the war and who is now staying with relatives.

"We used to endure bombings and death. Now, there is poverty, high prices, exploitation, and harsh conditions that dominate our lives. My children can't attend school, and there's no functioning health care system if I fall ill. And the threat of war looms due to the absence of agreements [between Israel and Hamas]," Abu Daqqa told DW.

He also said the situation contributed to "greed and corruption" in all areas and accused merchants of "exploiting the situation" after the border crossings were closed.

"There is no justice, even in the distribution of aid, and there are even fees to withdraw money from banks. Nothing is normal here."

Israel closed its crossings with Gaza and cut off all aid supplies after the formal end of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement in early March. On Sunday, Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen announced that he had ordered the Israeli Electric Corporation to stop selling electricity to Gaza, even though........

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