Gaza: Memories in the Rubble

Gaza Strip (ICRC) — Three days of armed hostilities in August 2022 devastated the lives of many residents in the Gaza Strip. According to UN OCHA, over 500 people have been displaced and about 2,000 housing units have been damaged.
"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.

Nadia Shamalakh,73, sits by the ruins of her home, which was destroyed during the August 2022 armed hostilities.
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.

The PRCS and ICRC jointly raising the community’s awareness on the risks of UXO in Gaza City after the ceasefire announcement. 14 Aug 2022.
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.

Distributing house-destruction support kits at the PRCS warehouse in Gaza. 14 August 2022.

The PRCS and ICRC providing in-kind support to one of the displaced families at the PRCS warehouse in Gaza City. 14 August 2022.
