Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have spoken to Al Jazeera about their hopes for an end to the bloodshed and to what they call a systematic destruction of civilian life.

“We are sleeping in the street. We want the ceasefire and the truce to happen as soon as possible, even if it means going back to the rubble of our homes,” said Khaled Shabat, a displaced Palestinian from Beit Hanoon.

“We are waiting for the ceasefire and the truce so that the price of flour can decrease. We are hoping and praying for the safety and well-being of everyone, and there will be a truce today, not tomorrow.”

Abudallah al-Shawa said people “are tired and fed up with words”.

“We want to see actions. There is death every day. Hunger is everywhere. We are consuming unhealthy food, and it is largely unavailable. We are drinking contaminated water. We lost our homes and lives!”

Another displaced person, Samar Nofal, said people want a ceasefire and to be able to return to their neighbourhoods.

“We want to go back to our homes even if they are rubble,” she said. “Let aid and food come in. We are exhausted. This is not a day or two of our lives; these are almost two years of brutal war! Where is the world to help us?”