In pictures: Gaza aftermath

The scale of the damage wreaked by Israeli air strikes and armour is becoming clear. Many homes and buildings were badly damaged, like the American International School in Beit Lahiya.

Gazans are salvaging what they can from their shattered homes. In the Jabaliya refugee camp, this boy helps his family remove what is left of their belongings on a donkey cart.

But some have returned home only to find the bodies of loved ones in the rubble. Palestinians say at least 1,300 people have died, but that figure is expected to climb as the devastation is cleared.

The UN relief agency, Unrwa, says it faces an uphill struggle as homeless Gazans seek help. Officials have called for more border crossings to be opened to allow aid to be delivered.

The UN says restoring the water supply is a priority, as 500,000 people have been without water since the conflict began. Water mains, like this one in Beit Lahiya, have been hit by air strikes.

Meanwhile, Israeli soldiers have begun a withdrawal from the Gaza Strip to areas near Israel’s border with the Palestinian territory. Correspondents have remarked on the speed of the withdrawal.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert says he wants the military to leave Gaza as quickly as possible, after calling a ceasefire on Saturday.

Israeli President Shimon Peres visited wounded soldiers in Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva, telling them they had dealt a blow to Hamas. He said Israelis should ignore claims of victory by Hamas.

Analysts say Israel is removing its troops from Gaza in time for the inauguration of Barack Obama as US president, aiming for a good start with the new US administration.

Back

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Next