Photos: From Empty Towns to Seaside Laundry: Transformations in Israel and Palestine through War.: Analysis

Hamas launched attacks in southern Israel on October 7, leading to intense airstrikes on the Gaza Strip and subsequently a ground invasion by Israel. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of nearly 15,000 Palestinians, significantly impacting the lives of people in both the occupied Palestinian territories and Israel. The area affected is approximately 26,790 square kilometers (10,345 square miles) in size, comparable to Haiti or Albania.

The consequences of the war, however, vary greatly depending on location. In Israel’s northern region near the Lebanese border, sporadic shelling occurs throughout the day, prompting many locals to evacuate due to increasing tensions with Hezbollah. Those who remain live in near-empty towns and often possess heavy weaponry.

Displaced residents from kibbutzim and towns near Gaza, as well as those affected by the conflict, have been relocated to hotels, often situated in picturesque coastal areas. What were once luxurious five-star hotels along the Dead Sea now house families occupying communal spaces, with children playing loudly in their new temporary homes.

Israeli families from the Gaza border area have sought refuge in seaside resorts in Eilat, a southern city situated between the Red Sea, Jordan, and Egypt. The city has faced missile attacks from Houthi fighters in Yemen, leading to Israeli warplanes patrolling the skies above beach bars and high-end restaurants, addressing threats in the Gulf of Aqaba.

In the occupied West Bank, more than 200 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli raids, while Palestinians in occupied East Jerusalem face regular harassment from the police and Israeli military since October 7. This targeted effort by Israeli authorities is seen by Palestinians as a form of “collective punishment” in response to the Hamas attacks, which claimed the lives of 1,200 people.

At times, there are shared experiences during times of war. However, stark differences emerge between the lives of Gazans lacking access to clean water and resort-goers enjoying volleyball matches and sunbathing along Tel Aviv’s popular beachfront.

The bombardments have caused extensive damage in Gaza, leaving parts of the besieged enclave in ruins. In various Israeli cities, the regular rocket attacks are mostly intercepted by the Iron Dome defense system. Some people choose to seek shelter, while others continue with their daily routines.

Yet, beneath the surface, tensions persist even in the less visible aspects of everyday life. Palestinians residing in Israel may carry on with their daily activities, but privately express feelings of suppression, unable to openly demonstrate solidarity or empathy for the people of Gaza.

This provides a glimpse into life during the ongoing conflict.

Source: Aljazeera news: Photos: Empty towns to sea laundry: How war has changed Israel, Palestine