As Israeli troops withdrew from southern Gaza, thousands of residents returned to scenes of utter devastation in cities like Khan Yunis. The aftermath of months of bombardment and heavy fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants left many areas reduced to rubble, with residents grappling with the harsh reality of their destroyed homes and neighborhoods.
Maha Thaer, a 38-year-old mother of four, described the heart-wrenching experience as she walked through the streets of Khan Yunis. “We don’t have a city anymore — only rubble. There is absolutely nothing left. I could not stop myself crying,” she recounted to AFP.
The once-thriving city of Khan Yunis, home to nearly 400,000 people, now lies in ruins, with streets bulldozed and buildings reduced to rubble. The toll of the conflict is starkly evident, with the Al-Salam hospital and surrounding structures razed to the ground.
Despite the devastation, some residents like Thaer are determined to rebuild their lives, even if it means returning to badly damaged homes. “It is not suitable for living, but it is better than tents,” she expressed, highlighting the resilience of the community in the face of adversity.
The withdrawal of Israeli troops marks a turning point in the conflict, with the Israeli army citing the need to “recuperate” as it pulled its ground troops out of Khan Yunis. However, the toll of the conflict is staggering, with thousands of casualties reported on both sides, primarily civilians and non-combatants.
The Gaza war, which erupted on October 7, has left a devastating impact on the region, claiming the lives of over 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures. In Gaza, the toll is even higher, with at least 33,175 people, predominantly women and children, reported dead as a result of Israel’s retaliatory offensive, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.
Sources By Agencies
