Build & Destroy

Commentators are pushing back against imagery that reduces Gaza to destroyed buildings, arguing the city was home to families, schools, hospitals, and dreams now buried under rubble. Writers stress that behind every ruined building stands someone who lost a home, urging the world to see Gaza's residents as people with histories rather than symbols of devastation.

Images and reports show general views of residential buildings destroyed during the war in Gaza, highlighting the scale of damage to housing across the territory. The scenes underscore the ongoing humanitarian situation, with entire neighbourhoods reduced to rubble and displaced residents facing shortages of shelter, water and basic services as international calls for reconstruction continue.

New photo coverage documents the aftermath of deadly Israeli attacks across Gaza, showing destroyed buildings, casualties and displaced residents amid the ongoing war. The images underline the heavy civilian toll of the strikes, which continue to draw international concern and calls for a ceasefire as the conflict between Israel and Hamas shows no sign of abating.

Iran has demolished a prison that critics and human rights groups say should have been preserved as a site of testimony. Activists warn the demolition destroys potential evidence of mass killings of detainees, making accountability harder. The move has drawn condemnation from rights advocates who had called for the building to be protected.