Rubble, Ruin, and Resolve
Tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians have been able to return to northern Gaza thanks to the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, but they are met with destruction rather than a sense of homecoming. Once-vibrant streets are now completely destroyed by conflict and covered in debris. Returning citizens in Khan Younis discovered their houses in ruins, a sobering reminder of the war’s cost.
The extent of the devastation is astounding. Around 170,000 buildings in Gaza had been damaged or destroyed by the end of 2024, displacing 1.7 million people and rendering over 70,000 homes uninhabitable. Reconstruction activities could produce at least 30 million metric tonnes of greenhouse gases, which is equal to New Zealand’s yearly CO2 emissions, making the environmental impact equally severe.
The international community is taking action in the midst of this destruction. Over the next 60 days, the UN plans to increase the delivery of humanitarian aid, with a particular emphasis on famine-affected areas. UNICEF has called for the complete opening of all food aid crossings into Gaza, stating that the population’s severely compromised immune systems could result in a sharp rise in child mortality (Reuters).
A “Transitional Gaza Authority,” made up of technocrats and Arab allies, is to supervise governance and reconstruction until elections can be held, according to the terms of the ceasefire mediated by Trump. A $50 billion Gaza Recovery Fund that aims to restore housing, education, and infrastructure is anticipated to be primarily contributed by Egypt, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates.
But the road to recovery is not without its difficulties. Coordination between the Palestinian Authority, Hamas, and the proposed transitional body is still threatened by political fragmentation. Reconstruction efforts and aid deliveries could be halted by any breach of the ceasefire. Regional politics and donor fatigue present additional risks because funding commitments might stall or fall short of what is required. The management of population returns is a delicate and risky balancing act, as more than two million people continue to rely on humanitarian aid.
The north of Gaza is currently a potent representation of both resilience and loss. The irresistible pull of home is what motivates those returning, not assurances of safety. It will take much more than cranes, concrete, and money to rebuild Gaza. Political bravery, consistent coordination, and a dedication to human dignity that cuts across allegiances and rivalries will be necessary. One fact becomes evident as the first tents are raised amid the debris and relief workers start their arduous work: the will of those reestablishing their lives on the streets of Gaza City itself, not the outcome of far-off negotiations, will determine Gaza’s future.
