Israeli Military Withdraws from Gaza City, Leaving Devastation Behind

Civil defence workers have unearthed approximately 60 bodies from the debris of collapsed buildings in Gaza City’s Tal al-Hawa and Sinaah districts following the Israeli military’s withdrawal after days of intense fighting against Hamas.

Videos shared on social media depict civil defence workers wrapping bodies, including women, in blankets amidst the rubble-strewn streets of the affected districts. The bodies recovered so far, including those of entire families, indicate casualties from artillery fire and airstrikes as they attempted to escape the conflict zone, as reported by Mahmoud Bassal, the Gaza Civil Defence Director.

Some bodies were found in harrowing conditions, partially consumed by dogs or burned inside homes, while others remain trapped in the rubble, making recovery efforts challenging.

The director of Al-Ahli Hospital, Fadel Naem, stated that around 40 bodies from the districts had been brought to the facility, although an exact count was not available.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military refrained from commenting on the discovery of the bodies.

Incursion and Discoveries

The Israeli military’s incursion into the districts began after issuing an evacuation order on Monday, targeting Hamas militants reportedly regrouping in the area. The military stated that its troops engaged in combat at the abandoned UNRWA headquarters, previously used by Hamas, where they discovered drone-building materials and weapon caches.

Despite the withdrawal of troops from most of the area, ongoing sniper fire and drone attacks continue to pose threats to residents, according to Salem Elrayyes, a displaced resident.

Impact of the Conflict

Recent discoveries of bodies in Shijaiyah, another Gaza City district, further illustrate the toll of the conflict. With over 38,300 people killed and 88,000 wounded in Gaza due to Israeli offensives and bombardments, the humanitarian crisis intensifies.

More than 80% of Gaza’s 2.3 million inhabitants have been displaced, leading to overcrowded tent camps and widespread hunger. The situation remains dire for the estimated 300,000 individuals still residing in the conflict-affected areas.