In the wake of the recent “humanitarian pause” in Gaza, the extent of destruction and loss caused by Israel’s relentless bombardment has come to light. This temporary ceasefire allowed the residents of Gaza to venture out and witness the devastating aftermath of the seven-week-long assault. Streets and neighborhoods were unrecognizable, reduced to rubble and debris. Houses, residential towers, shops, bakeries, cafes, schools, universities, libraries, children’s centers, mosques, and churches – nothing was spared.
The destruction was only the beginning. Amidst the chaos and fear, many struggled to grasp the full extent of their losses – loved ones gone, wounds sustained, lives shattered. The ability to mourn and bury the dead was compromised, as the violence continued unabated. Sabri Farra, a medical student from Gaza, aptly described the situation as a “collective inferno of extermination against the Palestinian people.”
One resident, fortunate enough to have escaped her home, shared the horrors she witnessed on her journey. On the same day of her escape, an Israeli airstrike targeted a convoy of evacuees, claiming the lives of at least 70 people. The designated safe route for evacuation from north to south was anything but safe. Those who managed to reach safety recounted scenes of civilian bodies strewn everywhere, their suffering captured on social media videos.
With the ceasefire in effect, more Palestinians attempted to flee the north, hoping for a safe passage. However, they encountered Israeli army checkpoints where they were subjected to searches, confiscation of belongings, and even the seizure of their gold. Forced to walk with their hands in the air, carrying nothing but their IDs, some were lucky to make it through, while others were systematically abducted. The true number of those who have disappeared remains unknown.
The journey from north to south, an arduous eight-hour trek without breaks, poses immense challenges for Palestinians who are elderly, young, injured, or disabled. While attempting to go back to the north can be fatal, Israeli soldiers warned against it and killed at least two people on the first day of the truce.
For countless Palestinians, including the author of this article, returning to their homes in Gaza City is prohibited. The heartbreak of not being able to assess the damage or retrieve the bodies of loved ones trapped under the rubble is unimaginable. Israel exerts complete control over the lives of Gazans, dictating their movements, access to basic necessities, and even their ability to tend to their deceased.
Despite the limited humanitarian aid allowed into Gaza, the situation remains dire. The trucks carrying supplies do little to alleviate the ongoing humanitarian disaster. The people of Gaza are barely surviving, facing not only the constant threat of bombs but also hunger, thirst, lack of medicine, and the cold. This “humanitarian pause” has brought more pain than the 50 days of relentless bombardment that preceded it.
It is crucial for the international community to acknowledge the suffering endured by the people of Gaza and take immediate action to address the ongoing crisis. The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and serve as a reminder of the urgent need for a comprehensive solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
