BTN News: In a scene of utter devastation, civil protection workers were seen recovering bodies from the rubble of destroyed buildings and debris-laden streets in Gaza City on Friday. The bodies, numbering in dozens, belonged to Palestinians killed earlier this week during an Israeli attack on the city’s Tal al-Hawa and Sanaa districts. These harrowing discoveries followed the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the area after days of intense bombardments and clashes.
The Israeli military’s operation targeted what it described as regrouped Hamas elements. The grim reality of the situation, highlighted by these ghastly scenes, underscores the horrific conditions endured by Gaza’s residents after nine months of relentless conflict.
Devastating Aftermath of Israeli Incursions
Israeli forces have re-entered various parts of Gaza, despite previously invading almost all urban areas since October. This has forced Palestinian civilians to repeatedly flee their homes or face deadly consequences. Negotiations for a ceasefire continue but have yet to yield results, leaving the region in a perpetual state of uncertainty and violence.
Harrowing Scenes and Civilian Toll
Videos circulating on social media reveal civil protection workers wrapping bodies, including those of women, in blankets amid the wreckage of Tal al-Hawa and Sanaa. The horrifying sight of a hand protruding from shattered concrete, as workers dug through collapsed structures, paints a vivid picture of the destruction. Burnt-out buildings are a stark testament to the fierce fighting.
According to Mahmoud Bassal, the director of civil protection in Gaza, around 60 bodies have been recovered so far. These include entire families apparently killed by artillery and bombings, with some remains partially devoured by dogs. Fadel Naem, the director of Al-Ahli Hospital, reported that at least 40 of these bodies had been brought to the hospital, although exact numbers remain uncertain.
Israeli Army’s Operations and UNRWA Complex
The Israeli military did not comment on the discovery of the bodies. The recent assault on the district followed an eviction order issued on Monday. The military targeted the abandoned offices of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, claiming Hamas had established operations there. Despite the UNRWA vacating the complex in October, Israeli forces reported engaging Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters and discovering drone-making materials and weapon caches. These claims, accompanied by photos of the discovered materials, could not be independently verified.
Civilian Accounts and Ongoing Attacks
Though Israeli troops have largely withdrawn from the area, sniper fire and drone attacks persist. Salem Elrayyes, a resident who fled south months ago, shared that his relatives in the neighborhood reported widespread house burnings and mass detentions during the offensive. Eleven of his family members were detained, with some later released after severe beatings, while others remain missing.
Continued Violence in Other Districts
In Shijaiyah, another district of Gaza City, civil protection workers found dozens of bodies following a recent Israeli withdrawal. The ongoing conflict has left the majority of Gaza City’s population displaced, with the UN estimating that around 300,000 people remain in the area. Many are forced to continually relocate within the northern parts of Gaza, as Israel prevents those who fled south from returning.
Humanitarian Crisis and International Mediation
Early on Friday, an Israeli bombing raid targeted a humanitarian aid warehouse in Muwasi, a supposedly “safe” zone. The UK-based Al-Khair Foundation reported the death of an engineer and three other aid workers in the attack. Israel accused the slain Al-Khair member, Husam Mansour, of being a high-ranking Hamas official, using his humanitarian role to fundraise for the group.
Background and Wider Implications
Israel’s military campaign began after a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians, and 250 captives. Since then, Israeli ground offensives and bombings have killed over 38,300 people and injured more than 88,000 in Gaza, according to the territory’s health ministry. Over 80% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced, living in dire conditions in overcrowded tent camps.
Struggles for Peace and Ceasefire Negotiations
In Cairo, mediators from the US, Egypt, and Qatar continue efforts to bridge the gap between Israel and Hamas over a three-phase ceasefire and hostage release plan. The US-backed proposal includes an initial ceasefire, limited hostage releases, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from populated areas, followed by further negotiations. However, significant obstacles remain, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisting on the continuation of military operations until Hamas is eradicated.
Political and Social Pressures
The escalating conflict has increased pressure on Netanyahu, both domestically and internationally. Israeli families of hostages are marching to Jerusalem, demanding an agreement for their loved ones’ release. Additionally, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has called for a broad governmental investigation into the Israeli leadership’s conduct.
Regional Tensions and Risks of Escalation
The risk of regional escalation persists, highlighted by the death of an Israeli soldier in northern Israel amid ongoing clashes with Hezbollah. As the conflict rages on, the international community continues to seek a path to peace, though the journey remains fraught with challenges and deep-seated animosities.
Conclusion
The relentless violence in Gaza has created a humanitarian catastrophe of unimaginable proportions. As negotiations for a ceasefire struggle to make headway, the people of Gaza continue to suffer. The world watches and waits, hoping for a resolution that will bring lasting peace and an end to the ongoing tragedy.
