The wheat and potato fields of this kibbutz, or communal farm, in southern Israel stretch right up to the Gaza border fence. In almost surreal proximity on the other side rise the apartment buildings, water towers and minarets of the Palestinian village of Abasan.
Israel’s deadly offensive against Hamas in Gaza had ended on Sunday, with both sides having unilaterally declared a cease-fire. Yet there was little sense of triumph here in the days after, more a nagging feeling of something missed or incomplete.
Elad Katzir, a potato farmer, was nervous as he drove through the lush fields, agreeing to stop the car only behind clumps of trees or bushes as cover in case of sniper fire. By one thicket, nestled among wild flowers, was a memorial to a soldier who was shot dead here while on patrol seven years ago.
“I do not feel any victory,” said Mr. Katzir. “I still do not feel safe.”
The newspaper headlines today proclaimed:
Hamas claims victory in Gaza-Israeli conflict.
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