Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza, saw a wave of returning civilians after Israel withdrew its forces over the weekend. However, the aftermath of four months of war has left the city unrecognizable to its residents.
Upon his return, a Palestinian humanitarian worker described how his house had vanished, replaced by rubble and debris from airstrikes and bulldozers. The devastation in Khan Younis was immense, with many homes destroyed or burned to the ground.
The Israel Defense Forces announced a significant withdrawal of troops from the south of Gaza, signaling a potential turning point in the conflict on the six-month anniversary of the start of the war. Despite this development, residents returning home faced a grim reality with thousands killed and numerous buildings destroyed in the city.
The scene in Khan Younis painted a heartbreaking picture of the aftermath of war, with bodies left decomposing and the city’s main hospital barely standing. The journey back for many residents was met with challenges as familiar roads were destroyed, forcing detours through makeshift paths forged by tanks.
The once bustling city, home to thousands, now lay in ruins, a shadow of its former self. Khan Younis had become a refuge for those fleeing airstrikes in the north before facing further devastation in the south.
Amid warnings of potential military offensives, displaced residents sought refuge in overcrowded areas, like Rafah, where makeshift tent cities now stood. Despite the hardships faced, many were too scared to return to their homes in Khan Younis, living in constant fear and anxiety.
For many, the once lively city now stood as a stark reminder of the toll of war, with homes destroyed, and lives forever changed. The pain of returning home was too much for some, as the reality of the destruction became too overwhelming to bear.
As families grapple with the loss and devastation in Khan Younis, the road to recovery and rebuilding seems daunting and uncertain. The scars of war run deep in this city, leaving its residents struggling to find hope amidst the rubble.