Palestinians Return to Northern Gaza, Finding Widespread Destruction
Thousands of displaced Palestinians walked back to northern Gaza this week, discovering their homes and communities largely reduced to rubble following the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. At the Jabalia refugee camp, 32-year-old Asma Qaoud observed the extensive damage. "Everything has been devastated—our homes and our hearts," she said while sitting near a collapsed building. Upon returning, she learned of her brother's death and noted her husband remains in Israeli custody. The ceasefire, which began Sunday, halted Israel's 15-month military operation in Gaza. The truce has facilitated both the release of Hamas-held hostages and Palestinians in Israeli custody. According to UN data, approximately 1.9 million people—90% of Gaza's population—were displaced during the conflict, with an estimated 60% of the region's infrastructure destroyed. The Gaza Civil Defense reported recovering 66 bodies from the rubble on Monday. Local health officials […]
