Story perspectives

Displaced Gazans Return to Ruins Amid Fragile Ceasefire

10/17/2025

Center

Residents Return Amid Ruins

Displaced residents return to ruins as a fragile ceasefire holds in Gaza.
Hossam Majed and Umm Rami Lubbad describe struggles to salvage belongings amid the destruction.
The United Nations reports that 81,000 tons of rubble have been cleared.
Aid has resumed, though prices remain high and many rely on charity kitchens.
Reconstruction will cost about $70 billion and take decades, requiring a stable government and cooperation with Israel.

Left

Hamas Battles Rival Militias

Hamas fights to maintain control in Gaza amid a chaotic post-ceasefire environment.
Rival clan-based militias are vying for dominance, complicating the political landscape.
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) could emerge as a significant player, leveraging its ideological roots and Iran's support.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political future is uncertain as elections are seen as pivotal for peace prospects.
Netanyahu's continued leadership may hinder meaningful negotiations and jeopardize the ceasefire.

History

Historical Context

Israel's unilateral disengagement from Gaza in 2005, following the Second Intifada, left over 1.4 million Palestinians affected and led to a humanitarian crisis. The rise of Hamas and subsequent blockade intensified poverty and instability, with unemployment reaching 48% by 2021. Today, reconstruction costs are projected at $70 billion, highlighting the urgent need for stable governance and cooperation with Israel for recovery.

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Residents Return Amid Ruins

Displaced residents return to ruins as a fragile ceasefire holds in Gaza.
Hossam Majed and Umm Rami Lubbad describe struggles to salvage belongings amid the destruction.
The United Nations reports that 81,000 tons of rubble have been cleared.
Aid has resumed, though prices remain high and many rely on charity kitchens.
Reconstruction will cost about $70 billion and take decades, requiring a stable government and cooperation with Israel.

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