The 1.7 million residents of the Gaza Strip have been struggling to maintain a sense of normality in their daily lives as the Israeli bombardment of the coastal territory brings further devastation to an already battered population.

Despite the difficulties the population of Gaza hope for a peaceful future.

“This war appears to only be targetting innocent people. I don’t see why the fighting should continue. We want to live a decent life and would like to see an end to the blockade by Israel. The Palestinian people are deprived of everything,” said one resident of Gaza.

“We need a real peace initiative so that we can live. The current situation doesn’t allow us have a real life,” explained one man.

The ongoing conflict adds further difficulties for a population that has been enduring shortages in food, water and medical supplies.