Although Hamas hoped to show a population unified in support of their control and in opposition to compromise with a rally commemorating the anniversary of the IDF military operation, Cast Lead, they were greeted with only 2000 or so people milling around instead of the tens of thousands expected.
When the siren went off signalling a moment's silence in honor of those killed during the fighting, cars continued to whiz by and people continued along their way. Hardly a strong showing of support.
The continuing investment of donated funds in ammunition and warfare instead of measures to improve the daily lives of Gazans seems to be taking its toll. A listless despair seems to be the order of the day.
"I wish they had commemorated the war by opening a factory. That would have been better than this," said Gaza resident Rami Mohammed, 30.
In Israel, there were no official observances of the operation's anniversary. Though Sderot residents have felt a relief from the constant missiles falling in their town, the psychological remnants remain for many. Families report that children still feel safer sleeping in bomb shelters even though life has definitely shown marked improvement and morale has certainly been raised..
Residents of the South have been heard to say that they feel more as if the country is with them and that they do not face terrorist missiles alone.
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