GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — Recent drone footage has revealed the extensive devastation in Gaza City following two years of intense conflict. As a ceasefire holds for its second day, the scenes captured showcase a city largely reduced to ruins, particularly in the Tal al-Hawa neighborhood.
The footage, recorded by The Associated Press on Saturday, indicates that very few buildings remain standing. Most structures appear gutted, with piles of debris significantly rising above vehicles, and roads covered in concrete dust. The once vibrant city landscape has been transformed into a stark, barren environment.
As residents begin to return, the lack of life in the streets is palpable. Few people are seen traversing the wreckage, and many are left grappling with the grim reality that what little remains of their homes is severely damaged. Tens of thousands of Palestinians, overwhelmed by the destruction, attempt to navigate what’s left of their neighborhoods. One returning resident, Farah Saleh, expressed disbelief at the scale of the devastation, stating, “We did not expect this magnitude of destruction.”
Another resident, Shreen Aboul Yakhni, mourned the loss of shelter for her family as winter approaches, lamenting, “Is that what is left of Gaza? We are returning to no homes and no shelter for our kids.” The few people captured in the footage stand out against the backdrop of shattered buildings, their clothing and possessions serving as rare spots of color amidst the desolation.
As the ceasefire remains in place, the full extent of the destruction is becoming clearer. The United Nations Satellite Center has reported that by late September, an estimated 83% of all structures in Gaza City had been destroyed or suffered damage. Additionally, by July, approximately 78% of structures throughout all of Gaza had been affected by the ongoing conflict.
The drone footage highlights the vast scope of reconstruction required in the area. The United Nations Environment Program estimates that about 61 million tons of debris need to be cleared, which is comparable in volume to 25 Eiffel Towers. This clean-up will be essential for any rebuilding efforts to commence in the ravaged territory.
The environmental impact has also been severe, with the United Nations Environment Program reporting that Gaza's vegetation has been decimated. Current estimates indicate that 97% of tree crops, 95% of shrubs, and 82% of annual crops have been lost, adding to the overall bleakness and hopelessness prevailing in the region.
In terms of financial recovery, the World Bank has estimated that rebuilding Gaza will require more than $50 billion. The over 2 million Palestinians living in the territory are hopeful to undertake reconstruction efforts, albeit only at a small scale currently. Their aspirations begin with the fundamental essentials, such as blankets and beams, as they try to piece together their shattered lives.
As the international community continues to observe the situation, the pressing question remains: How will Gaza begin to rebuild from this unprecedented devastation? The answers lie in both the cooperation of different parties involved and the global response to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
