137 Bodies Found in Rafah Following Gaza Ceasefire

 In the aftermath of a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, rescue teams in the southern Gaza city of Rafah have uncovered 137 bodies from the rubble of destroyed buildings. 

The discovery highlights the devastating toll of the recent conflict, which left vast swathes of the densely populated territory in ruins.

According to local authorities, many of the bodies were found in collapsed residential buildings targeted during airstrikes. Among the dead were women and children, some of whom had been missing for days. Medical teams described the grim task of recovering remains as “heartbreaking and overwhelming.”

“We are still finding people buried under the rubble, some in homes they thought would provide safety,” said Dr. Ahmed Mansour, a volunteer with the Palestinian Red Crescent. “The destruction here is unimaginable.”

The ceasefire, brokered by international mediators, went into effect late Monday, bringing a temporary halt to weeks of intense fighting. However, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains dire. The United Nations estimates that tens of thousands of people have been displaced, and critical infrastructure, including hospitals and schools, has been severely damaged.

In Rafah, families gathered near the ruins of their homes, searching for loved ones and salvaging what little they could. Survivors described harrowing experiences of being trapped under debris for hours or even days, waiting for help.

The discovery of the bodies has intensified calls for accountability and a more lasting resolution to the conflict. Human rights organizations have urged both sides to prioritize civilian protection and ensure the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

As the ceasefire holds, the focus now shifts to rebuilding and addressing the immediate needs of the population. But for many in Rafah, the scars of the conflict will remain long after the rubble is cleared.

“This is not just about rebuilding homes,” said local resident Samira al-Khatib, whose family lost three members in the strikes. “It’s about rebuilding lives and ensuring this never happens again.”

The international community has pledged aid to Gaza, but with tensions still high, the road to recovery and peace remains uncertain.