Following a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, displaced Palestinians are returning to find their homes in ruins, with the UN highlighting the immense efforts needed to provide essential services amidst widespread devastation.
Destruction and Resilience: Palestinians Return to Devastated Northern Gaza
Destruction and Resilience: Palestinians Return to Devastated Northern Gaza
As hundreds of thousands return to their homes in northern Gaza, the stark reality of destruction becomes evident.
Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are returning to northern Gaza, grappling with the harsh reality of destruction left behind. Adham Bartawi, 31, expressed his shock at witnessing his family home in al-Zahra reduced to ruins, stating, “Half our house is gone. It looks like it was bulldozed.” His predicament is echoed by many others who, despite the devastation, feel compelled to return and protect their properties from potential looting.
The recent return follows a ceasefire agreement aimed at ending the war that erupted after Hamas’s attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. UN officials emphasize the massive challenges that lie ahead in restoring essential services to the returning population. Currently, approximately 70% of Gaza's buildings have been either damaged or destroyed, particularly in the northern region.
Imad Ali al-Zain, 48, illustrates the heartbreak many are facing as he attempts to clear space for a tent in Jabalia, lamenting, “You’re speaking to me while I’m clearing a space... I wished I’d never come.” Despite knowing their homes are likely in ruins, many are eager to return, driven by the hope of reclaiming a semblance of stability.
Sam Rose, acting director of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (Unrwa) in Gaza, indicated that the population in northern regions is expected to double in the coming days as more displaced individuals make the arduous journey. The UN has begun providing basic aid supplies, including food and water, to those returning, but acknowledged that significant efforts are still necessary.
The journey back is an emotional one, with families like that of Khalil Shabeer, 32, facing tough decisions as they navigate the logistics of return amidst personal challenges. "Even using a car, the road feels infinite - the line of cars is endless when you look at it," he remarked.
As the situation evolves, the reality remains that many are returning to shattered lives, struggling to find hope amidst the overwhelming destruction.
