Gaza rises from the rubble

Despite the immense destruction in Gaza and the devastated streets and buildings that have become ruins, Palestinians are trying to return to life, affirming their refusal to surrender to Israel’s efforts to force them off their land.

Shops with damaged walls and cracked facades have reopened, cafes are filled with patrons, taxis are back on the shattered streets, and police have been deployed to manage traffic on the ruined roads.

In the streets of Gaza City, a falafel vendor stands among the wreckage of his shop, preparing sandwiches, while a famous pastry shop displays its goods despite a shortage of raw materials. Ice cream, which has always symbolised the Gaza summer, is once again cooling the hearts of children who have grown up to the sound of bombings. Gaza is telling the world: “We will live despite the pain, and we will rebuild despite the destruction.”

Through its systematic destruction, the Israeli occupation aimed to turn Gaza into an uninhabitable enclave, but Gazans continue to cling to their land.

Among the destruction, children can be seen playing and workers are rearranging their goods. It is a lesson in resilience and determination that the people of Gaza present to the world: that life is stronger than death.

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