By Mahmoud Issa
JABALIA, Gaza (Reuters) – In the aftermath of destruction, the remnants of Gaza homes reveal distressing sights that paint a grim picture. Rats and dogs scavenge through the debris, adding to the misery faced by Manal Al-Harsh upon her return to her shattered neighborhood in northern Gaza.
Despite a temporary break in the Israeli bombardments as a ceasefire comes into effect, Al-Harsh’s sense of security for her family remains fragile. The fear of potential threats looms large, making peaceful sleep an elusive luxury for them. Amidst the rubble of their residence in Jabalia, searching for her children’s clothing becomes a futile and disheartening task.
Al-Harsh, aged 36, has resorted to setting up a makeshift tent using salvaged blankets to offer some semblance of shelter for herself and her children. “We are staying here, but we are afraid of rats and everything around us. There are dogs. There is no place to settle. We have children. It is difficult,” expressed Al-Harsh cautiously navigating the debris.
Returning from the southern part of the Palestinian enclave following the ceasefire, Al-Harsh was met with the stark reality of her obliterated home. The city of Gaza, much like Jabalia, stands in ruins after enduring 15 months of relentless conflict, characterized by Israeli airstrikes and artillery barrages that have left it a mere shadow of its once vibrant urban self.
“We are practically sleeping here, but we don’t sleep. We are afraid someone might come upon us. We are sleeping and scared,” she confided, highlighting the constant state of apprehension. “I want to retrieve some clothes for the children to wear. We came with nothing. Life here is expensive, and there is no money to buy anything.”
As many displaced Palestinians grapple with uncertainty, attempting to salvage what little remains, Al-Harsh faces a daunting task. Despite managing to salvage some garments from the debris, the state they are in is far from satisfactory. “It’s all torn. Nothing is good. As much as we do, as much as we retrieve, it is all stones,” she lamented.
“Death is better,” Al-Harsh somberly remarked, her voice laden with despair.
(Reporting by Mahmoud Issa; Writing by Tala Ramadan; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
