As night envelops northern Gaza, the remains of a city littered with debris fall into darkness. To ease their fear of the dark, Rawia Tambora’s sons cling to the light from her phone and flashlight—shining as long as batteries last. After enduring the devastation of a 16-month war, they returned to their home, only to face a stark reality: no running water, electricity, heat, or proper sanitation to clear the ruins surrounding them.
Following a month-long ceasefire, nearly 600,000 Palestinians have returned to the destruction of their homes. Initially relieved, they have since contended with the sobering conditions of living amidst broken structures. Tambora described a life of frustration, where critical services are non-existent. She expressed sentiments of despair, stating some would rather have perished in the conflict than endure this broken life, admitting, “My brain stopped planning for the future.”
With uncertainty on the horizon as the ceasefire approaches its end, many fear the potential return of violence. A recent joint report by the World Bank, the UN, and the European Union estimated that approximately $53 billion (AUD 83.6 billion) is needed to rebuild Gaza, but funding and capacity for such an undertaking are currently insufficient. Efforts are being made to ensure immediate living conditions are addressed as aid flows in.
Humanitarian organisations have begun distributing food, water, tents, and other essentials to hundreds of thousands. However, challenges remain as significant rubble—estimated at over 50 million tonnes—clogs their living spaces and pathways, complicating any rebuilding efforts. Local infrastructure is struggling, with the municipality papering over cracks while machinery remains scarce.
Families like Tambora’s struggle daily with meagre resources, often needing to walk long distances for water and firewood. For some, the transition from temporary shelters to their own homes has become even more disheartening, as they return only to find total loss, like Asmaa Dwaima, who witnessed her family home reduced to ruins.
Despite the hardship, some attempt to cling to hope for recovery. Mentioned among them is Huda Skaik, who is now studying online amidst challenges of poor connectivity and unreliable electricity, yet holds onto a positive outlook despite the overwhelming destruction surrounding her.
The unfolding crisis paints a stark picture of resilience against a backdrop of despair, where families seek to regroup and rebuild their lives amidst ongoing uncertainty and struggle.