TRANSCRIPT
The temporary ceasefire in Gaza has seen aid and general supplies entering the strip, offering not only a lifeline for the starving, but also a chance for businesses to reopen.
One of those businesses is an iconic cafe in central Gaza.
A staple of Gaza's culinary culture for over 50 years, Kazem Ice Cream Café, has reopened in the heart of Gaza city, which has been devastated by 15 months of Israeli bombardment.
For many, it's a small but powerful sign of resilience.
"Despite the cold weather, we missed eating ice cream from Kazem. The war was not good for us."
For shop owner Iyad Abu Shaaban, the shop is not only a symbol of hope - but a symbol of life in Central Gaza.
"Kazem was founded in 1950 by my grandfather, may God have mercy on him, Hajj Kazem Abu Shaaban. Kazem is a heritage and civilization and a landmark of life . Kazem’s presence was after the war we are in, which is the return of life to the people, life returns, the smile returns, and hope returns with Kazem’s presence. Without Kazem, there is no such thing as a market, no such thing as life, no such thing as an economy in the country."
But reopening was anything but easy and the cafe's future remains uncertain.
With Israel once again blocking aid and supplies from entering the territory, businesses across Gaza are struggling.
Now, Israel has also cut off electricity in Gaza - threatening not only power supply but also access to drinkable water due to desalination plants forced to shut down.
With supply costs soaring and no external electricity available, many are being forced to rely on expensive solar panels to operate.
"The main obstacle for me is gas and solar. You are talking about 10 times, 6 times, and 8 times the price that is several times higher today than its normal price in the past. There was electricity before, but today there is no electricity. All my work depends on gas and electricity."
For Palestinians returning to what's left of their city, Kazem's reopening has offered relief from the hardships of daily life.
This customer says he hopes the shop's return can bring some relief.
"I brought my children because we miss Kazem's drinks after the war. Of course, we bring them because we relieve them from the horrors of the war that we went through. Of course, it is a kind of simple entertainment."
For children, it's about remembering the simple pleasures of life.
"We came to bring back the memories. First, we were displaced from Gaza to Al-Nuseirat camp, then to Al-Zawaida and to Rafah, we were displaced to many places. The war was very difficult for us."
But the longer aid and electricity remains cut off, the odds of Kazem remaining open diminish.
“There are no generators. All the generators are stolen. It was very difficult for you to be able to provide the materials. You are talking today about something that used to cost ten times as much today, ten times as much or twenty times as much, and you cannot find it"
For now, the return of an ice cream shop—offers a taste of one possible future.
But Palestinians in Gaza say real recovery can't begin until a permanent ceasefire is agreed and essential supplies start flowing again.
