From an embankment overlooking Gaza City, the devastation wrought by the two-year conflict is stark and undeniable. The landscape, once vibrant with life, has transformed into a monochrome tableau of destruction, spanning from Beit Hanoun to Gaza City with little left to recognize.
This area was among the initial points of entry for Israeli ground forces during the war's early stages and has seen repeated entries as Hamas attempted to regroup. Journalists from the BBC were among those taken into the region, experiencing a highly controlled visit devoid of access to Palestinian perspectives, adhering to Israel's stringent military censorship.
The Israeli military spokesperson, Nadav Shoshani, characterized the destruction as unintended, framing objectives around countering terrorist threats rather than civilian devastation. He highlighted that nearly every home reportedly hosted tunnels or weapons caches, underscoring the severity of the conflict that resulted in over 68,000 casualties among Gazans and significant loss of Israeli life during the initial attacks.
Despite a ceasefire in place, hostilities continue at the boundary, with both sides accusing each other of violations. Israeli forces maintain a fortified presence while expressing commitment to a peace plan aimed at disarming Hamas and establishing a new governance framework in Gaza.
However, the path forward remains fraught with uncertainty. The United States is pushing for a stabilization force to oversee security and initiate what could be a lengthy process of rebuilding and disarming Hamas. Meanwhile, Gazans face a heartbreaking reality of loss and the challenge of envisioning a future amidst widespread devastation.
As the international community watches closely, the lingering question is not only who will control Gaza but what role the Palestinian people will have in determining their own fate in a region scarred by conflict.
