Gaza's Transformation Due to War Documented in Photos

Archive and recent photos illustrate the significant changes in Gaza's streets, landmarks, and public spaces due to three years of war. According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, over 80 percent of Gaza's buildings have been damaged or destroyed since Israel initiated military operations in the region in October 2023, resulting in extensive destruction of infrastructure and entire neighborhoods. Historically, Gaza's streets, markets, schools, hospitals, and public spaces served as vital components of daily life, where residents engaged in work, education, shopping, and social interactions. Many landmarks in Gaza reflect its long history as a crossroads of various civilizations. The ongoing conflict has severely impacted these historic sites, with UNESCO confirming damage to 164 cultural locations since October 2023. This includes 128 buildings of historical or artistic significance, 14 religious sites, nine monuments, eight archaeological sites, two museums, and three depositories of movable cultural property. Notable sites affected include the Great Omari Mosque, Gaza's oldest mosque, Qasr al-Basha, the ancient Samaritan Bathhouse, al-Qissariya Market, and the Church of Saint Porphyrius complex. While some sites have been reduced to ruins, others remain standing but are heavily damaged. The destruction has not only impacted individual buildings but has also transformed the surrounding streets and neighborhoods, removing familiar landmarks that aided residents in navigating their city. A photo series contrasts archival images of recognizable streets, markets, and public buildings with new photographs taken three years into the war, highlighting the changes these familiar places have undergone due to ongoing bombardment and destruction.