We donât recognise our own city: Israeli barrage redraws the map of Gaza
A ceasefire is finally in force, but traumatised families have little hope as they recall collapsing buildings and deaths of loved ones
Al-Jalaa Tower in Gaza City which housed Al Jazeera and Associated Press was levelled by an Israeli missile. Photograph: Majdi Fathi/NurPhoto/REX/Shutterstock
Al-Jalaa Tower in Gaza City which housed Al Jazeera and Associated Press was levelled by an Israeli missile. Photograph: Majdi Fathi/NurPhoto/REX/Shutterstock
Sat 22 May 2021 13.41 EDT
Last modified on Sat 22 May 2021 14.26 EDT
As they emerge from hiding, people living in Gaza City have had to adapt their memories. So deformed is this small place on the coast that a mental map of its roads and landmarks from two weeks ago is largely useless today. Shortcuts to avoid traffic may no longer work, as craters dot back streets and rubble blocks roads. Locally famous high-rises no longer exist.