Following the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Khan Younis in southern Gaza, Palestinians who were forced from their homes have begun returning. However, they are met with scenes of devastation, with their neighborhoods resembling wastelands.
Video footage captured shows returning residents sifting through rubble and ruins, once their homes, now destroyed. Many structures, including homes, offices, and mosques, have been significantly damaged or entirely flattened.
For 12-year-old Aseel and others like her, the devastation is personal as they point out where their homes once stood, now reduced to rubble. Some express their frustration at only being able to salvage small items, lamenting the loss of their belongings and memories.
The European Hospital in Gaza reports the recovery of 46 bodies following the Israeli withdrawal, with many found dead under the rubble of demolished buildings. Those structures that remain standing bear marks of conflict, covered in soot, riddled with bullet holes, and damaged by artillery.
Residents recount the destruction, with Mahmoud Ahmad pointing out remnants of his home, now just a frame. He highlights the loss of appliances and personal belongings, emphasizing the intentional destruction witnessed by many.
Throughout the footage, the presence of Israeli drones and occasional gunshots serve as a reminder of ongoing tensions. Graffiti on walls, including anti-Arab sentiments and pro-Israeli messages, further highlight the deep-seated divisions.
Before the conflict escalated, Khan Younis was home to over 400,000 people, serving as a refuge for those fleeing military operations in northern Gaza. However, the assault by Israeli forces forced residents to seek shelter further south, adding to the humanitarian crisis in cities like Rafah.
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