A year after the Israel-Hamas war, Gaza remains unrecognizable, with nearly 60% of buildings damaged or destroyed. The war has left tens of thousands dead and almost the entire population displaced. Areas like Khan Younis, Gaza City, and Jabaliya have been particularly hard hit, with buildings, cultural landmarks, and businesses destroyed.
In Khan Younis, once a thriving city, only remnants of the Mamluk-era fortress remain, along with memories of Citadel Square where people gathered for socializing and entertainment. In Gaza City, the ancient Al-Omari Mosque, a historical site with ties to various religious faiths, has been nearly destroyed in an Israeli airstrike. The Gold Market, dating back decades, now lies in ruins.
Jabaliya, a town with a history of protests and resistance, has been severely damaged. The Al-Trans intersection, a center of social life and activism, has been decimated, leaving locals mourning the loss of their community hub. Businesses and landmarks like Nahed Al-Assali furniture store, Rabaa Market and Cafe, and Abu Eskander Cafe have also been destroyed.
The cost of rebuilding Gaza is estimated to be enormous, with 39 million tons of rubble containing hazardous substances posing a significant challenge. Gazans face not just a physical rebuilding but also the emotional toll of the loss of their identity and history. The trauma of the war has left many feeling displaced not just physically, but also spiritually and culturally.
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