The black areas in Gaza were once sites of buildings before the Israel-Hamas war. One year ago, Gaza turned into a battleground as Israel launched a military offensive against Hamas following Oct 7. Hamas-led attacks. The war has caused massive destruction in Gaza, with tens of thousands of casualties and almost the entire population being displaced multiple times. Nearly 60 percent of buildings in the besieged enclave have been damaged or destroyed.
Israel’s goal was to eliminate Hamas and dismantle the tunnel network underneath the ground. However, in doing so, they devastated an area housing two million people. In the south of Gaza lies Khan Younis, a region with a rich history and lush fields. The war has left the people of Khan Younis feeling disconnected from their past and present, as their familiar places have been reduced to rubble.
The citadel wall in Khan Younis, a historic landmark, now overlooks a wasteland. The destruction of the Grand Mosque, a symbol of the city, has shattered the community. The commercial district, once vibrant with shops and ice cream parlors, now lies in ruins. Families like the Barbakhs, who ran a toy store, have lost everything in the war.
The fertile farmlands of Khuza’a in Khan Younis, which sustained generations of families, have been destroyed. Farmers like Jamal Subuh have lost their livelihood and are now reliant on humanitarian aid in displacement camps. The future of agriculture in Gaza looks bleak, with extensive damage to croplands and essential equipment.
In Gaza City, the war has ravaged the Old City and Al-Rimal neighborhood, destroying cultural and religious landmarks. The Al-Omari Mosque, a historic place of worship, was severely damaged in an airstrike. The unique architecture and historical significance of the mosque have been marred by the destruction caused by the war.
The people of Gaza, despite the devastation, hold on to hope for rebuilding and preserving their heritage. The sense of loss and longing for their homeland is palpable among the residents as they grapple with the ruins left behind by the conflict.