**Gaza After the War: A Path to Rebuilding**
The war in Gaza has been a way of life for many residents. For Hatem Al-Atar, 25, his job as a civil defense worker had become a daily struggle. He knew that he could be killed at any moment.
Every second of this war was difficult, Hatem says. The bombings and shootings stopped on the first night without airstrikes. It was time to start thinking about a future. Hatem’s thoughts turned towards education and romance. “I should be thinking about what to do now.” Once universities are back in operation, he will continue his university studies.
**The Human Cost**
Ninety-four of Hatem’s comrades were killed, and more than 300 people were injured. The civil defense organisation in Gaza was severely affected. Hatem himself was blown off his feet by an explosion in a house close to Nasser Hospital. He survived but was shaken.
Many families have been traumatised by the war. Children have suffered acutely, with 96% of caregivers feeling that death was imminent. Interviews revealed that 49% of respondents had a desire for death.
**Rebuilding and Aid**
The task of rebuilding is massive. The UN and aid agencies accuse Israel of obstructing aid flow. At one point, the United States threatened to cut off military assistance to Israel until more aid was allowed to Gaza. Israel denies restricting aid.
Aid trucks crossed into the strip throughout the afternoon, bringing tonnes of food and medicine to nearly two million displaced people – or 90% of the population.
**Trauma and Healing**
Unknown numbers of adults and children have been traumatised by the war. Children have suffered acutely. Amr al Hindi, a ten-year-old boy from Beit Lahia, was the only survivor after an Israeli strike in October last year. His entire family was gone.
Amr sat with his grandparents shortly after the ceasefire was announced, looking composed and still. He began to talk about his brother Ali, who he wanted to study medicine in Jordan. “I want to be like Ali.” Tears started to fall as he began to sob.
It is clear that there are numerous wars in the world today. Some have stopped. Some have paused. But for Hatem and Amr, and thousands of others in Gaza, the journey towards healing and rebuilding has just begun.
