
Gaza: Memories in the Rubble

"It was a regular Friday afternoon. Suddenly, we heard massive explosions and the ground started shaking.
We had to evacuate the building quickly to seek shelter," said Khalil Kanoun. "My mother is over 70 years old. She had to climb down 12 floors of stairs to exit the building.
Our home now is not connected to power or water supply. We can't access the building as it is still dangerous, and we don't know when we'll be able to return," added Khalil.
Creating a safe path for recovery in Gaza
The complex process of rebuilding lives began as news of the ceasefire on 7 August 2022 spread. A key first step to enabling the path to recovery and preventing further injuries was addressing the immediate danger of Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) – unexploded bombs and other ammunition which failed to explode and still poses a lethal risk of detonation. Staff and volunteers of the ICRC and Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) began by visiting affected communities to identify risks, sensitize communities on the risks of UXO and what they can do to avoid it.
Rebuilding lives
Following a joint assessment of humanitarian needs by the ICRC and PRCS staff and volunteers, a joint distribution of cash grants and essential household items began for 118 displaced families.