Palestinians make their way as they return to the eastern side of Khan Younis after Israeli forces pulled out from the area following a raid, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip July 30, 2024. REUTERS/Hatem Khaled
Palestinians Return to Ruins in Gaza’s Khan Younis Following Israeli Raid
On Tuesday, thousands of Palestinians returned to their homes in the devastated southern city of Khan Younis, Gaza, after Israeli forces ended a week-long incursion. The operation aimed to prevent the Islamist group Hamas from regrouping.
Aftermath of the Incursion
Palestinian rescue workers and civilians worked together to recover bodies from the streets of the war-torn area. Corpses wrapped in rugs were transported to morgues using cars and donkey carts. The Hamas-run Gaza media office reported that the eight-day raid in eastern Khan Younis resulted in the deaths of 255 Palestinians and injuries to over 300 others, with at least 30 people still missing.
Israeli Military Actions
The Israeli military stated that their forces killed over 150 Palestinian gunmen during the raid, destroyed militant tunnels, and seized weapons. The Hamas media office reported that more than 300 homes were hit by Israeli fire, with at least 30 occupied at the time of the strikes. Witnesses also reported the bulldozing of the main cemetery in Bani Suhaila, as well as nearby houses and roads.
Civilian Response
Returning residents found many of their homes damaged or destroyed. Etimad Al-Masri, who walked at least five kilometers to her home, expressed faith in God despite the uncertainty of survival. Walid Abu Nsaira, another resident, hoped for a ceasefire and lasting peace to ensure safety and security.
Ongoing Conflict
As the Khan Younis operation concluded, Israel ordered thousands of people to evacuate their homes in al-Bureij in central Gaza, launching strikes in preparation for a new raid. Medics reported that an Israeli air strike in nearby al-Nuseirat killed ten Palestinians fleeing Bureij, with another strike killing four more inside Bureij.
Broader Conflict Context
Ten months into the war, Israeli forces have largely taken control of nearly the entire Gaza Strip, continuing assaults on areas previously claimed to be cleared of Hamas. Many residents have faced repeated displacement due to ongoing evacuations.
Efforts to broker a ceasefire have stalled, with Israel and Hamas trading blame for the lack of progress. Hamas seeks a ceasefire to end the conflict, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists the war will cease only once Hamas is defeated. Disagreements persist over the terms and implementation of any potential deal.
The conflict began with a Hamas-led assault on southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the capture of around 250 hostages. Since then, Israeli forces have killed over 39,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to health authorities who do not distinguish between combatants and civilians. Israel claims that a third of the Palestinian fatalities are fighters, while more than half of the deceased are women and children. Israel has lost approximately 330 soldiers in the conflict.
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