The Gaza Strip emerges from a devastating conflict, grappling with enormous losses and a fragile ceasefire. The Gaza Civil Defence agency reported a staggering 48% of its personnel were killed, injured, or detained during the hostilities. Infrastructure also took a severe hit, with 85% of the agency's vehicles and 17 out of 21 facilities damaged or destroyed. Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council has cautiously welcomed the ceasefire, describing it as a "ray of hope" while urging all parties to adhere to its commitments.
More than 2 million Gazans find themselves homeless, without income, and reliant on food aid as basic necessities remain inaccessible, according to the UN World Food Programme. In a small but significant development, 915 lorries entered the Gaza enclave on Monday, marking the highest influx of aid since the conflict erupted 15 months ago. Yet, the Israel Defence Forces have cautioned civilians to avoid approaching their personnel or installations and to steer clear of a buffer zone established around Gaza's border.
The conflict has claimed over 46,900 lives in Gaza, according to estimates by the local ministry of health. However, a UK-led study published in The Lancet suggests these figures might underestimate the death toll by more than 40%. The devastation is widespread, with the UN estimating that 60% of structures across Gaza have been damaged or destroyed. Amidst this destruction, the Civil Defence agency fears that over 10,000 bodies remain buried under rubble, with rescue efforts hampered by a lack of bulldozers and essential equipment.
"In every street there are dead. In every neighbourhood there are people under the buildings." – Abdullah Al-Majdalawi
The first phase of the ceasefire includes the release of 30 hostages from Gaza in exchange for approximately 1,800 Palestinians held in Israeli jails. Despite these developments, violence continues to escalate in the occupied West Bank, where Israeli settler attacks on Palestinian villages have surged since the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep concern over this worsening situation.
"Any such annexation would constitute a most serious violation of international law." – Antonio Guterres
The human toll of the conflict is profound. Stories from survivors paint a harrowing picture of loss and hope amid despair. Abdullah Al-Majdalawi of the Civil Defence agency recounts receiving numerous pleas for help even after the ceasefire began.
"Even after the ceasefire we received many calls from people saying please come, my family is buried under the rubble." – Abdullah Al-Majdalawi
Similarly, Malaak Kasab speaks to the devastation endured by families across Gaza.
"We have lost a lot of members of our family and some are still under the destroyed buildings. There are a lot of people under the rubble – everybody knows about this." – Malaak Kasab
The ceasefire brings a glimmer of hope for those like Eliwah, who reflects on personal loss while yearning to return home.
"We have been waiting for this ceasefire like people waiting to enter heaven." – Eliwah
"I lost two of my brothers and their families. I lost cousins, uncles. The only thing I still hope for is to go home." – Eliwah
Meanwhile, Meirav Leshem Gonen captures the mixed emotions surrounding hostage releases.
"We got our Romi back, but all families deserve the same outcome, both the living and the dead. Our hearts go out to the other families." – Meirav Leshem Gonen
The path to recovery for Gaza is daunting, as noted by Sam Rose.
"This is going to be a very, very long road." – Sam Rose
"We're not just talking about food, healthcare, buildings, roads, infrastructure, we've got individuals, families, communities that need to be rebuilt." – Sam Rose
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