The withdrawal of Israeli ground troops from southern Gaza over the weekend allowed some Palestinians to return to the city of Khan Younis and check on their homes.
But in the aftermath of a fierce, monthslong battle and Israeli bombings, some found only destruction.
“I completely collapsed and nearly fainted,” he said in a phone call on Monday, adding that his wife and two teenage daughters burst into tears when they saw what was left of their home.
“I worked for 20 years to build this house,” said Dr. al-Farra, 54, who ran the pediatric ward at Nasser Hospital before the family fled south to Rafah in January.
“You build a home corner by corner, stone by stone.”
Persons:
Khan Younis, ”, Ahmad al, “
Organizations:
Nasser Hospital
Locations:
Gaza, Farra, Rafah