Following more than 15 months of devastating war, residents of Gaza have begun returning to their homes, only to find that most have been reduced to rubble, on the first day of the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. The scene faced by those returning reflects the immense destruction left in the wake of the conflict, with entire neighborhoods turned to debris.
Scenes of Return Amidst Destruction
Wafaa al-Habil, a refugee from Gaza who had to move to Khan Younis due to the bombing, expressed her longing: “I just want to go home. I have missed Gaza and our loved ones so much.” In another scene, a man driving a car packed with belongings shouted joyfully, “This is the greatest joy… I’m going back to Rafah!” referring to his city located in the southern part of the territory near the Egyptian border.
In northern Gaza, which has witnessed extensive destruction from Israeli airstrikes, displaced individuals walk through streets covered in rubble and collapsed concrete. Nevertheless, some groups displayed high spirits, singing and forming a “V” for victory as they celebrated the ceasefire.
Displacement Struggles During the War
The war has forced the vast majority of Gaza’s 2.4 million residents into repeated displacements. Many sought refuge in makeshift camps or schools converted into shelters. Maha Abed, a displaced person in the al-Mawassi camp in southern Gaza, stated, “We are exhausted. I don’t want to spend another night in this tent.” She was waiting for her husband to return to Rafah when he asked her to hold off due to ongoing gunfire.
Upon returning home to Jabalia, a city that has been a focal point of Israeli attacks since October 2023, Walid Abou Jiab found his house completely destroyed. He lamented, “There is nothing left. The place has become unlivable.” Despite this, some like Fouad Abou Jilboa remain determined to rebuild, saying, “With our determination and faith, we will rebuild everything.”
Unprecedented Destruction and Future Reconstruction
According to the United Nations, the level of destruction caused by the war in Gaza is “unprecedented in recent history,” indicating a long and costly reconstruction process ahead. Reports suggest that residents from the northern third of the territory will not be able to return until after the first week of the ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from those areas.
Current Challenges and Future Hopes
Currently, Israeli forces continue to divide the territory at the “Netzarim corridor” south of Gaza City. Meanwhile, some bulldozers have begun clearing rubble in Gaza City in preparation for reconstruction efforts. Despite the immense destruction, residents remain resolute in their determination to rebuild their lives and homes.