By Nidal al-Mughrabi, Dawoud Abu Alkas and Ramadan Abed
CAIRO/GAZA (Reuters) – Many exhausted Palestinians in Gaza, devastated by war, are beginning to return to their homes in ruins on the third day of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The sight of complete destruction has left them shocked.
The ceasefire started on Sunday after 15 months of conflict, marked by the release of the first three hostages held by Hamas and 90 Palestinians freed from Israeli jails. Now, efforts are turning towards rebuilding the coastal enclave that has been heavily damaged by the Israeli military in its retaliation for Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Some Gazans no longer recognize their former neighborhoods and are opting to stay in the tents where they have sought shelter for the past few months. Others are clearing debris in an attempt to return to their damaged homes.
One Palestinian woman, Walaa El-Err, expressed her emotions upon returning to her neighborhood as “indescribable”. She shared how she and her family worked to clean their house and remove rubble so they can move back in. Their belongings lay destroyed in their bombed-out home in Nuseirat, a long-standing refugee camp in central Gaza.
In another part of Gaza City, Abla, a mother of three, checked on her home in the Tel Al-Hawa suburb after the ceasefire was confirmed on Sunday. She found the seven-floor building completely destroyed, likening it to being “smashed like a piece of biscuit”. Memories of her children’s upbringing and milestones flooded back as she surveyed the damage.
As some families set up tents near their ruined homes, questions arise about when the reconstruction process will commence. A U.N. report estimates that clearing over 50 million tonnes of rubble left by Israel’s bombardment could take 21 years and cost up to $1.2 billion. Additionally, concerns about asbestos contamination in the debris further complicate the recovery efforts.
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in a devastating toll, with over 47,000 people reported dead by Gaza health authorities. Rescue teams are tirelessly working to recover bodies buried under the rubble, with at least 150 bodies found since the ceasefire began.
The 15-month war has set back Gaza’s development by seven decades, according to a United Nations Development Programme report. The road to recovery for the people of Gaza is long and challenging, but their resilience shines through as they begin the arduous task of rebuilding their lives amidst the devastation.
In the aftermath of the conflict in Gaza, a heartbreaking scene unfolds at Shejaia cemetery, once a place of rest now marred by devastation. Israeli tanks and bulldozers had left their mark here in previous months, flattening the sacred grounds. Today, amidst the ruins, mourning families are on a desperate quest to locate the final resting places of their loved ones.
Atef Jundiya, a grief-stricken man, tirelessly digs through the earth in search of his father, brother, and sister-in-law’s graves. His voice filled with anguish, he laments, “I have been searching and looking for my father’s grave, my brother’s grave, and my brother’s wife’s grave, and I can’t find them.” The ceasefire may have brought a momentary calm, but for those like Jundiya, the agony of uncertainty persists.
The enormity of the tragedy becomes starkly evident as the civil emergency service estimates that around 10,000 bodies remain buried beneath the rubble. The urgent need for heavy machinery and earth-moving vehicles to aid in the painstaking extraction process looms large. Officials anticipate that this monumental task could stretch on for months, prolonging the agony of families awaiting closure.
In the midst of this harrowing situation, the resilience and determination of the people of Gaza shine through. Despite the overwhelming challenges they face, their unwavering resolve to honor the memories of their fallen loved ones is unwavering. Each shovel of dirt turned is a testament to their unwavering commitment to finding and honoring those who have been lost.
As the world watches, the plight of these families serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict. The pain and suffering etched on their faces are a poignant reflection of the toll exacted by violence and war. Their quest for closure and remembrance is a universal story of love and loss that transcends borders and boundaries.
Amidst the rubble and wreckage, the spirit of humanity endures. In the face of unimaginable tragedy, these families stand united in their pursuit of peace and justice. Their cries for recognition and closure echo far beyond the confines of Shejaia cemetery, resonating with all who bear witness to their plight.
In the days and weeks ahead, as the extraction efforts continue and the search for answers presses on, the world stands in solidarity with the people of Gaza. Their resilience in the face of adversity serves as a powerful reminder of the indomitable human spirit.
As the sun sets over the scarred landscape of Gaza, the echoes of grief and loss reverberate through the hearts of those who refuse to forget. In their quest for closure and remembrance, these families embody the enduring power of love and the unbreakable bond of kinship that transcends even the darkest of times.
In a world too often defined by conflict and division, the resilience and compassion of those searching for their loved ones’ graves in Shejaia cemetery stand as a beacon of hope and
