Two years of war have reshaped the Gaza Strip into a landscape almost unrecognizable to those who once called it home. According to the Associated Press, after relentless Israeli bombardment, entire neighborhoods across Gaza have been reduced to rubble, streets are barely distinguishable, and the city’s once-bustling markets have been transformed into twisted metal and broken concrete. Now, with a ceasefire in place, Palestinians are returning to what remains of their communities, embarking on the difficult journey of sifting through debris and trying to rebuild their shattered lives.
Images captured by AP photojournalists in mid-October 2025 show the scale of devastation and the raw resilience of those returning. Displaced Palestinians, many of whom had fled during the height of the conflict, are seen walking amid destroyed buildings in the Shati refugee camp and other neighborhoods in Gaza City. Some ride donkey carts loaded with whatever belongings they could salvage, navigating streets lined with the remnants of homes and businesses. Others walk past collapsed structures, searching for fragments of their past—family photos, children’s toys, or anything that might help them reclaim a sense of normalcy.
The ceasefire, agreed upon in early October 2025, marked a significant, if fragile, turning point. On October 9, smoke still rose above Gaza following an Israeli military strike, even as the announcement of the first phase of a peace plan to pause the fighting was made public. The next day, displaced residents began the slow return to their neighborhoods in Khan Younis and the Zeitoun area of Gaza City. The scenes were marked by a mix of hope and heartbreak: families carrying their belongings, children picking their way through rubble, and adults confronting the daunting task of rebuilding.
By October 11, the process of return had picked up pace. According to AP, displaced Palestinians walked through areas surrounded by destroyed buildings in Khan Younis and rode donkey carts past the ruins in Gaza City. The following day, similar scenes unfolded in the Shati refugee camp and other neighborhoods, as families navigated the shattered landscape, determined to reclaim their homes despite the overwhelming odds.
The scale of destruction is staggering. The United Nations development agency has estimated that the amount of debris now littering Gaza would be enough to build 13 giant pyramids in Giza, Egypt. This striking comparison underscores just how much of the territory has been leveled by two years of near-constant conflict. Streets that were once filled with vendors, schoolchildren, and daily commerce are now barely passable, choked with concrete, rebar, and the detritus of war.
The human cost of the conflict is written across these scenes. According to the joint estimate from the U.N., the European Union, and the World Bank, $70 billion will be required to rebuild Gaza. This figure reflects not only the physical destruction of buildings and infrastructure but also the immense challenge of restoring lives, livelihoods, and a sense of community. The U.N. development agency’s assessment paints a sobering picture of the work ahead, as international organizations and local residents grapple with the enormity of the task.
For those returning, the experience is deeply personal. Many Palestinians walk through collapsed buildings, searching for anything that can be salvaged. Some sift through debris for family heirlooms or items of sentimental value, while others simply try to clear enough space to make a temporary shelter. The sense of loss is palpable, yet so too is the determination to rebuild. As one resident told AP, “We have nothing left, but we have to start again. This is our home.”
The process of return is not without its risks. With so much of the infrastructure destroyed, basic services like water, electricity, and sanitation are in short supply. Many buildings are structurally unsound, and the threat of unexploded ordnance adds another layer of danger. Still, for many families, the pull of home is stronger than the fear of what they might find—or what might happen next.
The political context remains complex. The ceasefire agreement, which included the release of the remaining hostages, has brought a measure of relief, but the underlying tensions between Israel and Hamas have not been fully resolved. International observers warn that the peace is fragile, and the risk of renewed violence remains ever-present. For now, though, the focus in Gaza is on survival and recovery.
The images from October 2025—displaced families riding on vans loaded with belongings, children carrying wooden boards along damaged streets, and adults walking among the ruins—offer a glimpse into the daily reality faced by Gazans. The destruction is total in some areas, with entire blocks flattened and landmarks erased. Yet amid the devastation, there are signs of resilience: neighbors helping each other clear debris, makeshift markets springing up amid the ruins, and children finding ways to play in the shadow of collapsed buildings.
International aid agencies have begun to mobilize, but the scale of need is overwhelming. The $70 billion estimate for reconstruction is a stark reminder of the resources required, and there are concerns about how quickly funds and materials can be delivered given the ongoing security situation and logistical challenges. According to the U.N., the process of clearing debris alone will take years, and rebuilding homes, schools, and hospitals will require sustained commitment from the international community.
For many in Gaza, the immediate priority is simply to survive. With homes destroyed and basic infrastructure crippled, families are relying on aid for food, water, and medical care. The sense of community is strong, however, and there is a shared determination to endure. As one local aid worker told AP, “We have lost so much, but we are still here. We will rebuild, no matter how long it takes.”
As the world watches, the story of Gaza is one of both immense tragedy and remarkable resilience. The scars of war are everywhere, but so too is the hope that, with time and support, the people of Gaza can begin to rebuild—not just their homes, but their futures as well.
