Widespread Damage in Northern Gaza, Some May Never Return Home

CAIRO, Nov 14 – Palestinians who were forced to leave northern Gaza say their homes and neighborhoods have been heavily damaged by Israeli airstrikes and ground operations. A rights group is warning that some areas might be too destroyed for people to ever return.

Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun, and nearby villages were among the first areas hit in Israel’s offensive that began in October 2023 after Hamas attacks on Israel. Israel says it is targeting militants, but the damage to civilian homes is widespread.

One displaced resident, Abu Raed, who lived in Jabalia, described how Israeli forces are destroying buildings using tanks and robots. Some buildings are being blown up remotely after being booby-trapped.

While Israel says its military operations have killed many militants and seized weapons, human rights groups worry that the level of destruction could make it impossible for many to return to their homes.
(By Reuters)