My neighbourhood was beautiful. Israel turned it into a wasteland

Nestled along Gaza's coastline, Rimal was an upscale neighbourhood in Gaza City, boasting ice cream parlours, cafes and vibrant boutique clothes shops. 

Today, it lies in complete ruin - a clear sign that no part of Gaza, residential or otherwise, is safe from Israeli bombardment.

Since Israel began bombing the coastal enclave of 2.3 million people after Palestinian fighters launched an attack on southern Israel on 7 October, Rimal was one of four areas of Gaza City to face relentless Israeli air strikes.

The bombing was especially devastating where I lived, an area which Israel has claimed served as the headquarters and control centre for the 7 October attack.

Read the full story by Mohammed al-Hajjar, one of our correspondents in Gaza, who wrote about what happened to his own neighbourhood.

My neighbourhood was vibrant and beautiful. Israel turned it into a wasteland