Tragic Scenes Unveiled by Gaza Truce: Decomposed Corpses and Devastated Neighborhoods

 

Source: The News

   The temporary humanitarian truce in Gaza has exposed the immense scale of the humanitarian catastrophe and the extensive destruction caused by the Israeli occupation army in various areas, particularly Gaza City and the northern Strip. The truce, which commenced on Friday, allowed hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to return and assess the damage to their homes and neighborhoods, especially those near the border and areas infiltrated by Israeli military vehicles.

During this heartbreaking process, Palestinians discovered the true extent of the catastrophe, as well as the heinous crimes committed and the massive destruction inflicted by Israeli forces. Eyewitnesses reported finding the decomposed bodies of dozens of Palestinians who had been killed weeks ago during incursions or while attempting to flee from Gaza City to southern areas of the Strip.

Moreover, Palestinians witnessed the widespread destruction caused by aerial bombardment and Israeli ground incursions in Gaza City and the northern regions. Entire residential neighborhoods, comprising hundreds of buildings and tens of thousands of housing units, lay in ruins. Additionally, roads, government and private institutions, infrastructure, and vital water, electricity, and communications networks were severely damaged.

Areas heavily affected by the destruction included Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahia, and Jabalia in the north, as well as Al-Rimal, Tal Al-Hawa, Sheikh Ajlin, and the vicinity of Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza City. Rescue teams began the grim task of recovering bodies from the rubble of these neighborhoods.

The shock experienced by thousands of Palestinians upon seeing their homes destroyed and surrounded by corpses and blood was unimaginable. In the northern regions, particularly around the Indonesian Hospital in Jabalia, extensive destruction was observed after the Israeli army stormed the hospital and bombarded its surroundings with numerous shells. The tanks and bulldozers of the Israeli occupation forces demolished the hospital's walls and infrastructure, leaving a trail of devastation.

Violent raids by warplanes, artillery vehicles, and tanks targeted large areas in Gaza City and the northern Strip, resulting in further destruction and casualties. Intense clashes erupted between Palestinian armed factions and Israeli forces in the Al-Saftawi area, north of Gaza City. The Jabalia al-Balad area also experienced heavy bombardment, leading to the destruction of multiple homes and numerous Palestinian injuries.

These distressing events unfolded just hours before the temporary humanitarian truce agreement between Hamas and Israel came into effect. The agreement stipulated the release of 50 Israeli prisoners from Gaza in exchange for the freedom of 150 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. Additionally, hundreds of trucks loaded with humanitarian, relief, medical, and fuel aid were permitted to enter all areas of the Strip.

Over the past 48 days, the Israeli army conducted a devastating war on Gaza, resulting in approximately 15,000 casualties, including 6,150 children and over 4,000 women. Tragically, about 7,000 individuals remain missing, and more than 36,000 people have been injured, with children and women constituting 75% of the total, according to Gaza's government media office.

The scenes witnessed during the temporary truce in Gaza were horrifying and served as a stark reminder of the immense suffering endured by the Palestinian people. The road to recovery and rebuilding will be long and arduous, requiring extensive international support and concerted efforts to bring lasting peace and justice to the region.