Thousands of Palestinian Bodies Recovered Amid Gaza Ceasefire, Recovery Efforts Ongoing

The Gaza Strip continues to suffer profoundly from the aftermath of conflict, with at least 500 bodies recovered from rubble since a US-brokered ceasefire, though Israeli attacks persist. Palestinians face a monumental challenge in recovering the remains of thousands buried under an estimated 61 million tonnes of debris, a task made more difficult by the lack of heavy machinery allowed into Gaza. Psychological scars run deep among survivors, with many experiencing severe trauma and emotional numbness after losing family members in Israeli airstrikes. Cultural resilience also emerges amid the devastation, as Palestinian artists in Gaza and their collaborators present exhibitions to highlight their lived experiences and maintain a presence despite international isolation. The death toll since the onset of the recent conflict has risen dramatically, with tens of thousands killed and many more injured, predominantly women and children. Recovery efforts are expected to take months, underscoring the enduring human cost and the urgent need for humanitarian support.