Gaza City: From Vibrant to Rubble
Gaza City, once a vibrant and bustling part of the strip, now lies in ruins after weeks of relentless bombardment. The universities district, Al-Sinaa Street, Omar Mukhtar Street, and Al-Bahr Boulevard are just some of the areas that have been reduced to rubble. This once-thriving city was the most populated part of the besieged Palestinian enclave before Israel launched a bombing campaign in retaliation for a deadly Hamas attack inside Israel.
Ahmed Hijazee, Arab News’ correspondent in the Gaza Strip, laments the destruction, saying, “Gaza was a very beautiful, vibrant city before the Israeli assault. Some 99 percent of the population were educated.” The impact of the ongoing war is evident in the devastation that has befallen Gaza City.
Omar Mukhtar Street, once one of Gaza’s busiest streets, was home to the central market that serviced Gaza City and northern Gaza. It was a hub of activity, but now lies in ruins. The bustling market has been replaced by fields of rubble, a stark reminder of the destruction caused by the Israeli assault.
During the warmer months, people in Gaza used to flock to Al-Bahr Boulevard to cool off and enjoy the sun. The beach-lined boulevard was a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. However, the ongoing war has turned this once lively area into a desolate landscape. The seaside cafes that were once filled with people enjoying the scenery now stand empty and abandoned.
Israeli air and land raids have not only destroyed buildings and infrastructure but have also disrupted vital supply chains. Local bakeries and food warehouses have been leveled, making it even more difficult for the already struggling population to access basic necessities. Roads that were once used for aid delivery have also been destroyed, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza City.
The Israeli assault on northern Gaza forced Palestinian families to flee south, as directed by the Israeli authorities. However, following the end of the truce, Israel expanded its bombing campaign to the south, striking areas that were previously considered safe. As a result, nearly half of Gaza’s 1.9 million displaced population are now crammed into the overcrowded city of Rafah, according to Human Rights Watch.
The situation in western Gaza is equally dire. Very few people have returned to the area, seeking shelter in random empty houses that have not been fully destroyed. Water scarcity has forced people to take refuge wherever they can find it. The lack of access to basic necessities has made life unbearable for the residents of Gaza City.
Food has become increasingly scarce, with prices skyrocketing. A bag of flour, which used to cost 35 shekels ($10) before the war, is now sold at a staggering 750 shekels in Gaza City. The Israeli blockade on the strip has not only destroyed infrastructure but has also prevented humanitarian aid and essential supplies from entering Gaza. UN agencies have warned that the population of almost 2.3 million people is at “imminent risk of famine.” It has become common for families in Gaza to go an entire day without eating anything.
The destruction and suffering in Gaza City are unimaginable. The once-vibrant city has been reduced to rubble, and its population is facing a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions. The international community must take immediate action to provide aid and support to the people of Gaza City, who are in desperate need of assistance. Only through collective efforts can we hope to alleviate the suffering and rebuild what has been lost in this devastating conflict.