For Gazans, ceasefire talks bring a tangle of emotions

President Biden said on Tuesday that ceasefire talks were “in the hands of Hamas at this point,” and a Hamas leader in Lebanon appeared to publicly reject the deal, insisting that Israeli hostages would only be released after a ceasefire was reached and Israeli forces withdrew, a condition Israel has rejected. But the militant group said in a statement on Wednesday that it was still open to negotiations “until an agreement is reached that realizes the interests and demands of our people.”

Nidal Kuhail, 29, a resident of Gaza City who is sheltering in Rafah, said people were closely monitoring their phones and radios for updates on the negotiations but were growing tired of waiting day after day without a breakthrough.

“We fluctuate between being happy and then frustrated,” Mr. Kuhail said. “This wavering in the news has left people incredibly confused.”

These swings have been going on for months as a series of talks since a seven-day ceasefire in November have failed to bring relief.

In early February, as reports suggested Hamas and Israel were nearing an agreement, a party broke out at the Kuwait Special Hospital in Rafah, with people whistling and clapping, said Omar al-Najjar, a volunteer medical intern there.

“The atmosphere was optimistic,” said Mr. Najjar, 24. “People could finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.” But the next morning, newer reports indicated that the sides are far from overcoming their differences, creating a depressed mood in the hospital, he said.

Mr Najjar said hopes for a ceasefire had been dashed so many times that many stopped paying attention to the news. “People have completely lost hope,” he said.

The saga has been replayed in recent days. Arab news media reported “significant progress” only to speak of “difficulties” a day later.

Hazem Surour, 20, originally from northern Gaza, said he no longer got his hopes up from news reports after Israel and Hamas failed to reach an agreement for months.

“We really need something real, not news stories,” he said. “We can only be patient and pray.”