As the 15-month war that devastated Gaza reaches a ceasefire, Palestinians are finally returning to their homes. But for many, there is no home to return to.
Entire neighbourhoods lie in ruins, with homes reduced to piles of rubble and streets strewn with debris. Families are now sifting through the rubble in search of anything salvageable.
The ceasefire, which began on Sunday, saw three women hostages released from Gaza, and Israel freeing 90 Palestinian detainees. While the ceasefire did bring an end to the violence, there is still a long way to go for Palestinians.
Gaza's infrastructure lies in ruins with homes, roads, hospitals, and schools have reduced to rubble, with no immediate hope for reconstruction.
According to UN figures, over 60 per cent of Gaza’s buildings and 65 per cent of its roads have been destroyed since the war began on October 7, 2023. The war displaced 1.9 million people—nearly 85 per cent of Gaza's population.
Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that over 46,000 Palestinians have been killed, with women and children making up more than half of the fatalities. The Israeli military, on the other hand, claims that 17,000 militants were killed, though it has not provided evidence to substantiate these numbers.
As Gaza faces its post-war reality, Hamas has vowed to rebuild Gaza.
“Gaza, with its great people and its resilience, will rise again to rebuild what the occupation has destroyed,” Hamas declared in a statement after the ceasefire.
A UN report estimates it could take 21 years and $1.2 billion to clear the 50 million tonnes of rubble. A UN official said the conflict has pushed Gaza's development back by 69 years.
