Palestinians recover bodies and survey destruction after Israeli withdrawal

Search and rescue teams in Gaza recovered at least 35 bodies of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in the early hours following the military’s withdrawal from most urban areas on Friday morning.

The majority of the bodies were found in Gaza City, which had been the focus of intensified Israeli air strikes in recent weeks.

After troops pulled back from parts of the city, residents reported widespread destruction across entire residential blocks.

Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for Palestinian Civil Defence in Gaza, described “massive destruction” across the besieged enclave during on-ground inspections.

He warned that ordnance and explosive robots remain in the area, urging civilians to stay clear of such objects as they pose a serious danger to life.

Read more: Palestinians recover bodies and survey destruction after Israeli withdrawal