Gaza Palestinians Hope for Ceasefire but Face Ruins Upon Return

Many Palestinians in Gaza wish to return home, but devastation awaits them.

Gaza Palestinians Hope for Ceasefire but Face Ruins Upon Return
Gaza Palestinians Hope for Ceasefire but Face Ruins Upon Return

Gaza: Palestinians are really hoping to return home if a ceasefire happens. But the reality is pretty grim. Many will find their homes are just piles of rubble.

The destruction is massive. Entire neighborhoods are gone, turned into wastelands. Roads are torn up, and basic services like water and electricity are in shambles. Hospitals? Most of them aren’t even functioning anymore.

And who knows when or if things will get rebuilt? The ceasefire talks don’t even mention who will run Gaza after the fighting stops. Plus, the blockade by Israel and Egypt is still a big issue, making it hard for people and goods to move freely.

The United Nations has warned that if the blockade stays, it could take over 350 years to rebuild. That’s just mind-boggling.

Right now, about two-thirds of all buildings in Gaza are either damaged or destroyed. The northern part of Gaza is especially hit hard and is mostly empty because of the ongoing military operations.

According to satellite data, around 69% of structures have been affected, with over 245,000 homes lost. The World Bank estimates the damage at a staggering $18.5 billion, which is nearly the entire economic output of both the West Bank and Gaza from last year.

Israel blames Hamas for the destruction, saying their attack on October 7 sparked the conflict. In retaliation, Israel’s military actions have led to a huge loss of life, with over 46,000 Palestinians reported dead, many of whom are women and children.

Before any rebuilding can start, there’s a massive cleanup job ahead. The U.N. estimates there are over 50 million tons of rubble scattered across Gaza. That’s like 12 times the size of the Great Pyramid of Giza! Clearing it all could take over 15 years, especially since it’s packed with dangerous materials and even human remains.

Rebuilding will need billions of dollars and a way to get construction materials into Gaza, which isn’t guaranteed. The ceasefire agreement suggests a 3-5 year plan for reconstruction, but that’s only if all hostages are released and Israeli troops leave.

However, there’s still a lot to negotiate, and even the initial phase of the ceasefire is uncertain. The Israeli government is having last-minute disputes with Hamas, which could delay everything.

Even if the blockade is lifted, it’s unclear who would govern Gaza. The U.S. and other countries want a strong Palestinian Authority to take charge, but Israel isn’t on board with that idea. They’re against a Palestinian state and don’t want the Palestinian Authority involved in Gaza.

With all this uncertainty, international donors might hesitate to invest in a place that’s seen so much conflict. This could mean that the tent camps along the coast become a long-term reality for many Palestinians.

Disclaimer: All images comply with fair use for educational and informational purposes. Sourced from public platforms. Have questions? Contact us.
Fact-Checking Policy: Accurate information is our focus. If errors are found, please let us know, and corrections will be made swiftly.