Displaced Palestinians face danger after Israeli aggression

Gaza remains a perilous landscape of ruins and unexploded ordnance, hindering any attempts at reconstruction and leaving tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians in dire need of shelter and assistance. The remnants of Israel’s devastating military operations continue to pose a significant threat, as unexploded bombs and other dangerous ordnance lie scattered throughout the region, especially in the areas of Rafah, Khan Younis, and northern Gaza.

Pascale Coissard, emergency coordinator for Doctors Without Borders, spoke about the ongoing dangers facing civilians as they try to rebuild their lives from the rubble. “Removing unexploded shells scattered among homes in Rafah will take years, which is hindering reconstruction,” Coissard explained. “It is necessary to provide health services, humanitarian aid, and rebuild the city so that life can return to Rafah, but it is still too dangerous for Palestinians to return to most areas.”

Though the sounds of bombs have subsided, their deadly legacy lingers in the form of unexploded ordnance, making the already hazardous environment even more treacherous. “Although we no longer hear the sound of bombs, their dangers still exist,” Coissard emphasized, highlighting that Palestinian families are still unable to return to their homes due to the constant threat posed by these explosive remnants of war.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is compounded by the extensive destruction left behind by the Israeli military. Homes, shops, streets, and vital health facilities have been reduced to rubble, leaving millions without access to basic necessities like water and electricity. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that most medical infrastructure has been destroyed, further exacerbating the already dire public health situation. “Everything is destroyed in Rafah, homes, streets, and even health facilities have turned to dust,” Coissard added, referring to the widespread devastation caused by Israel’s military operations in Gaza, which Palestinian leaders have labeled as genocidal.

According to the government media office in the Gaza Strip, the northern and central governorates of Gaza have experienced devastation on a scale that is almost incomprehensible, with destruction reaching over 90% in many areas. As a result, a staggering 135,000 tents and caravans are urgently needed to provide shelter for those who have lost everything. Yet, despite the magnitude of the damage, there is still no adequate solution in sight to address the immediate needs of the displaced population.

For many Palestinians, returning to their homes is not just a matter of rebuilding, but also of survival. “It is unsafe to live in these areas because of the unexploded bombs, yet we have nowhere else to go,” said Amina, a mother of three, whose home in Rafah was destroyed during the bombing. “We are forced to live in shelters or with family members, but the conditions are unbearable. Our children cannot go outside because of the threat of unexploded shells.”

The Israeli aggression in Gaza has left deep psychological scars on the population, in addition to the physical devastation. Many displaced families, who had already endured years of conflict and blockade, now find themselves without the basic means to rebuild their lives. The ongoing destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure has forced countless families into temporary shelters, most of which are overcrowded and lack access to essential services like clean water, electricity, and adequate sanitation.

The situation remains dire for the displaced population, and urgent international assistance is needed to address the growing humanitarian crisis. The United Nations and other global organizations have called for immediate support to clear the unexploded ordnance, provide medical care, and deliver vital food and shelter to those in need. However, the challenge remains vast, and the obstacles are not just logistical but political, as the blockade on Gaza continues to restrict the flow of aid and resources into the region.

For the displaced Palestinians, the return to their homeland is a hope marred by the daily realities of survival. The absence of shelter and the constant threat of violence and death prevent them from fully reclaiming their homes. Until Gaza is cleared of explosive remnants, the displaced will continue to face an uncertain future, trapped in a cycle of destruction and displacement.

The international community must recognize the immense human cost of the ongoing conflict and work to ensure that the displaced Palestinians have the protection, support, and resources they need to rebuild their lives, free from the lingering threat of violence and with access to the basic human rights that every person deserves. Without such efforts, the people of Gaza will remain at the mercy of not just the weapons of war, but the absence of peace and stability in their land.

Allegations have surfaced suggesting that the Israeli government is knowingly targeting journalists, particularly those reporting critically on its actions in Gaza and Palestine. Media rights organizations and independent watchdogs have expressed concerns over what they describe as deliberate attacks on press freedom, pointing to the alarming number of journalists killed during the conflict.

According to reports from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF), a significant majority of the journalists killed in Gaza have been Palestinians. Many of these reporters were documenting the devastating impacts of Israeli airstrikes, alleged human rights violations, and the destruction of civilian infrastructure. Critics argue that silencing these voices serves to obscure the realities of the conflict and diminish global scrutiny of Israel’s actions.

The total number of casualties, combining all available reports from the ongoing conflict, is as follows:

1. Palestinian Casualties: Over 46,600 deaths were reported, including a large number of women and children.
2. Israeli Casualties: Approximately 1,706 deaths were reported.
3. Journalists Killed: Between 128 and 217 journalists and media workers, depending on the source.

Total Casualties (Including Journalists)

• 48,434 to 48,523 deaths (approximation).

This figure combines general fatalities and journalists explicitly.

International observers have called for investigations into whether these killings constitute intentional targeting, a violation of international humanitarian law. Under the Geneva Conventions, journalists are afforded protection in conflict zones, and targeting them is considered a war crime. Advocacy groups stress the need for accountability to ensure the safety of journalists and uphold the principles of free press and transparency.

The Israeli government, however, denies these claims, stating that any journalist casualties are unintentional and a result of military operations in densely populated areas. Still, the high death toll among media workers and the repeated targeting of press offices have raised serious questions about the intentions behind these incidents.