The first day of peace in Gaza brought a stark reality of the massive destruction to the Strip. Rescue workers and civilians grappled with the aftermath, with Gaza’s Civil Defence agency estimating over 10,000 bodies still buried under rubble. They aim to recover the dead within 100 days, but face delays due to a lack of essential equipment.
New images revealed the devastation from the Israeli offensive, particularly in the north of Gaza, where the UN reported that 60% of structures were damaged or destroyed.
Despite the ceasefire, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with over two million people homeless and reliant on food aid. The UN World Food Programme began delivering aid immediately, but officials acknowledge the long road ahead in rebuilding lives and communities.
In Israel, families of freed hostages spoke of relief, while in Gaza, health authorities estimated over 46,900 deaths and 110,700 wounded during the conflict. The Civil Defence agency reported significant losses among its personnel and facilities.
Despite the halt in air strikes, the grim task of recovery continues for Civil Defence workers, who are faced with heartbreaking scenes of death and destruction. Displaced individuals like Malaak Kasab share stories of loss and desperation, highlighting the ongoing challenges in the region.
As Gazans cautiously navigate the aftermath, the Israeli military warns against approaching certain areas, emphasizing the delicate transition underway. Despite the risks, residents like Hatem Eliwah are eager to return and assess the damage to their homes, underscoring the urgent need for healing and rebuilding in Gaza.
Lo único que todavía espero es poder ir a casa.
Existen graves preocupaciones en ambos lados de que el trato podría colapsar incluso antes de que se complete la primera fase en aproximadamente seis semanas, e Israel ha subrayado que se reserva el derecho de reanudar la acción militar en Gaza en cualquier momento.
Hablando en una reunión del Consejo de Seguridad de la ONU el lunes, el Secretario General Antonio Guterres dio la bienvenida al acuerdo como un “rayo de esperanza” y dijo que se deben cumplir sus obligaciones.
Pero Guterres advirtió de una situación cada vez peor en Cisjordania ocupada, que ha visto un gran aumento en los ataques de colonos israelíes contra aldeas palestinas desde el ataque de Hamas a Israel el 7 de octubre de 2023.
“Altos funcionarios israelíes hablan abiertamente de anexar formalmente toda o parte de Cisjordania en los próximos meses”, dijo Guterres, añadiendo: “Cualquier anexión de este tipo constituiría una violación muy grave del derecho internacional.”
Muath Al-Khatib contribuyó a este informe
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