Residents of Gaza returning to Khan Younis are confronted with an unreal scene of devastation in their city. Amidst the rubble, they navigate back on bicycles, donkey carts, and foot, searching for their homes or any remnants thereof.
“I am going to my house, even though I know that it is destroyed. I am going to remove the rubble to get a shirt out,” said Mohammed Abou Diab, reflecting the determination mixed with despair among the returning populace.
Israel’s military withdrawal from southern Gaza has left a haunting atmosphere, with the stench of death lingering and bodies still trapped beneath the ruins. The enormity of the destruction is overwhelming. “It’s as if an earthquake hit the city,” remarked Rashad Khamis al-Najjar, encapsulating the widespread sentiment.
The once-vibrant city, home to about 400,000 people, now lies deserted and ravaged after enduring relentless bombardments by the Israeli army. Entire neighborhoods were evacuated as Israel targeted Hamas militants believed to have entrenched themselves in the area.
Despite the apparent completion of Israel’s mission in Khan Younis, Palestinians find little solace in returning to their city, as many of their homes are uninhabitable. Forced to salvage what little they can, they are compelled to retreat to overcrowded shelters or makeshift accommodations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement of a planned military operation in the nearby city of Rafah adds to the uncertainty and fear gripping the region. The prospect of further violence looms large as ceasefire talks continue, with international pressure mounting for an immediate end to the conflict.
The toll of the war is staggering, with over 33,000 Gazans killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, the majority of them civilians. The conflict, sparked by Hamas attacks on Israeli border communities, has escalated into a protracted and devastating ordeal for both sides, with no clear resolution in sight.