A year after the Israel-Hamas war devastated Gaza, the once vibrant areas of Khan Younis are now unrecognizable. The war left nearly 60 percent of buildings destroyed or damaged in the besieged enclave, displacing almost everyone living there. Israel’s offensive aimed to eradicate Hamas but ended up destroying the lives of the two million inhabitants of Gaza.
In Khan Younis, the citadel wall stands as a reminder of the city’s heritage, with the Grand Mosque and a commercial district nearby. The once bustling Citadel Square, a hub for vendors and musicians, now lies in ruins, along with the iconic landmarks like Hamada Ice Cream and the Citadel of Toys. Families like the Barbakh’s, who lived and worked in the commercial district, have lost everything to the war.
Further south in Khuza’a, once the breadbasket of southern Gaza, the Subuh family’s century-old farmland has been destroyed. The fields that once fed the local community have been bulldozed, leaving the family dependent on humanitarian aid at a displacement camp. Despite the devastation, Mr. Subuh’s daughter, Dina, remains determined to plant and care for the land again.
In Gaza City, the war has taken a toll on the ancient Old City and Al-Rimal neighborhood. The iconic Al-Omari Mosque, a place of worship for thousands of years, was destroyed in an airstrike. The mosque’s unique architecture and historical significance were lost in the devastation.
As Gaza struggles to recover from the war, the people of Khan Younis and other affected areas are left to mourn the loss of their homes, businesses, and cultural landmarks. The road to rebuilding will be long and challenging, but the spirit of resilience and determination remains strong.
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