Before and After: How Years of War Radically Transformed the Landscape of Gaza

Historic landmarks in Gaza have been reduced to rubble, drastically altering the city's landscape and erasing generations of memories, according to Abdelhakim Abu Riash from Al Jazeera. Data from the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics indicates that more than 80 percent of buildings in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed since Israel launched its war on the besieged enclave in October 2023, turning entire neighbourhoods into rubble and devastating critical infrastructure.

For generations, the streets, markets, schools, hospitals, and public spaces of Gaza served as the vibrant backdrop for everyday life, functioning as places where people worked, studied, shopped, gathered with family and friends, and created memories. Many of these familiar landmarks also held a much deeper history, serving as testaments to Gaza's thousands of years as a crossroads for various civilisations. The ongoing conflict has fundamentally altered this identity by damaging or destroying numerous historic and recognizable locations.

UNESCO has confirmed damage to 164 cultural sites since October 2023, which 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 locations such as the Great Omari Mosque—Gaza's oldest mosque—along with Qasr al-Basha, the ancient Samaritan Bathhouse, al-Qissariya Market, and the Church of Saint Porphyrius complex, have all been impacted, with some reduced to complete ruins while others remain heavily damaged.

This widespread destruction has reshaped entire neighbourhoods and streets, removing vital landmarks that residents once used to navigate and identify their city. A compelling photo series contrasts archival images of Gaza's most notable streets, markets, and public buildings with recent photographs taken after years of relentless bombardment and conflict.

Gaza's port has historically served as a vital focal point along the coast, functioning as a base for local fishermen and a popular gathering space for residents. Following years of conflict, the port and its surrounding coastline have suffered severe damage, and thousands of displaced families now utilize the area as a tent encampment.

Al-Rashid Street, the primary coastal road stretching along the Mediterranean, was once a bustling destination filled with cafes, restaurants, shops, and hotels. Today, large portions of the area are damaged or destroyed, with tents occupying sections of the coastline.

The Rashad al-Shawwa Cultural Centre, located in Gaza City's Remal neighbourhood, was a premier cultural venue that hosted exhibitions, conferences, and public events. Years of warfare have left the centre heavily damaged, with parts of the structure destroyed and its surroundings reduced to ruins.

Qasr al-Basha, a 13th-century Mamluk palace situated in Gaza's Old City, was previously restored and converted into an archaeological museum in 2010. Recognized as one of the best-preserved historic landmarks in Gaza, the palace has sustained significant damage during the conflict.

The Al-Hasayna Mosque, also known as al-Mina Mosque, stood adjacent to Gaza's port and was inaugurated in 2017, quickly becoming a familiar shoreline landmark before being completely destroyed in November 2023.

The Islamic University of Gaza, founded in 1978, operated as a primary center for higher education with an extensive campus located in Gaza City's Remal neighbourhood. Much of the university has been destroyed, and remaining portions of the campus now serve as a tent shelter for displaced Palestinians.

The Great Omari Mosque in Gaza's Old City is the largest and oldest mosque in the Gaza Strip, featuring a rich history and architectural layers from the Byzantine, Crusader, Mamluk, and Ottoman eras. After sustaining heavy damage in December 2023, a significant portion of the mosque, including its historic minaret, now lies in ruins.

Yarmouk Stadium in Gaza City, which opened in 1952, stood as one of Palestine's oldest and largest football stadiums, functioning as a major venue for sports and public gatherings. The stadium is currently out of use and has been converted into a shelter for displaced individuals.

Sheikh Radwan Pond was constructed in 2000 with a capacity of approximately 500,000 cubic metres to collect rainwater. The Palestinian Water Authority reported that sewage infiltrated the pond after its drainage system was damaged, leaving the surrounding area almost entirely destroyed.

Stretching nearly 45km along the Mediterranean coast to connect the north and south of Gaza, Al-Rashid Street was rebuilt in 2015 and lined with hotels, restaurants, cafes, and essential businesses. Following years of war, substantial portions of the roadway and its adjacent areas have suffered severe structural damage.