The Palestinian Civil Defense has announced the discovery of approximately 60 bodies in the Shujaiya neighborhood of Gaza. This grim find comes after the Israeli army’s recent withdrawal from the area, following a two-week military offensive.
Key Takeaways
- Discovery of Bodies: Around 60 bodies were found in the rubble of Shujaiya, a neighborhood in Gaza.
- Israeli Withdrawal: The Israeli army withdrew from Shujaiya after a two-week offensive.
- Extent of Damage: 85% of the buildings in Shujaiya are now uninhabitable.
- Conflict Background: The conflict began on October 7, 2023, with an unprecedented attack by Hamas on Israeli soil.
Discovery of Bodies
The Palestinian Civil Defense, with the help of local residents, uncovered approximately 60 bodies in the Shujaiya neighborhood of Gaza. Mahmoud Basal, the spokesperson for the Civil Defense, described the area as a "disaster zone." The bodies were found in the rubble of buildings that had been heavily damaged during the recent military operations.
Israeli Withdrawal
The Israeli army announced its withdrawal from Shujaiya on Wednesday night, concluding a two-week offensive that began on June 27. The military operation forced tens of thousands of residents to flee the area. During the offensive, the Israeli army claimed to have dismantled eight tunnels and killed dozens of terrorists.
Extent of Damage
According to Mahmoud Basal, 85% of the buildings in Shujaiya are now uninhabitable. The neighborhood has suffered extensive damage, with many infrastructures demolished. The area has been left in a state of devastation, making it difficult for residents to return and rebuild their lives.
Conflict Background
The current conflict in Gaza was triggered on October 7, 2023, by an unprecedented attack from the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas on Israeli territory. The attack resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, and led to the kidnapping of around 240 people by Hamas members.
In response, Israel launched a military campaign that has devastated the Gaza Strip. According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, led by Hamas, the retaliatory strikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 38,345 people, the majority of whom are civilians.
Humanitarian Impact
The ongoing conflict has had a severe humanitarian impact on the residents of Gaza. The discovery of the 60 bodies in Shujaiya highlights the tragic loss of life and the extensive damage to the area. The destruction of homes and infrastructure has left many without shelter and basic necessities, exacerbating the already dire situation in the region.
International Response
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating violence and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Various organizations and countries have called for an immediate ceasefire and for both parties to engage in dialogue to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The discovery of the bodies in Shujaiya serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of the ongoing conflict and the urgent need for a resolution to end the suffering of the people in Gaza.