Gaza’s largest city is a shadow of its former self. Two years ago, classrooms were full of schoolchildren, markets bustled with shoppers, and beachside cafes offered respite from the stress of a besieged enclave. However, after months of brutal Israeli retaliation to Hamas’ deadly attack, normal life in Gaza City has collapsed.
Residents are struggling to cope with the devastating effects of war. Hundreds of thousands sheltering in shattered buildings have been left to fend for themselves without access to basic necessities like food and water. Israel’s blockade on Gaza restricts the flow of aid, leaving residents to rely on black markets or the charity of neighbors.
The city is now a battle-scarred landscape, with tens of thousands of Israeli strikes reducing towering buildings to rubble. Garbage and sewage flood the streets, while black smoke from burning plastic and wood fills the skies. The sounds of overhead Israeli drones and airstrikes are constant, making it difficult for residents to escape the violence.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is dire. Hospitals and pharmacies no longer function, and hygiene products are scarce. Infestations of lice, malnutrition, and a lack of vitamins have left many Palestinians weak and ill. Armed thugs roam the streets at night, forcing families to take up arms to protect themselves.
The Israeli military plans to launch a new offensive on Gaza City to eliminate Hamas militants hiding underground. The operation is expected to be brutal, with troops facing an enemy that has had time to dig in using its extensive tunnel network. Human rights groups and aid organizations are warning about the risks of war crimes and human rights abuses during the impending assault.
As the world watches, residents of Gaza City are left to wonder if they will survive another brutal attack from Israel. The once-thriving city is now a mere shadow of its former self, with the future looking bleak for those trapped in this cycle of violence.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/24/middleeast/gaza-city-chaos-israel-intl