Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reported that the city of Rafah, located in southern Gaza, has been "destroyed" due to Israeli military actions. The removal of unexploded ordnance scattered throughout the area will take years, significantly hindering the efforts to rebuild the city. 

Pascal Quissard, MSF's emergency coordinator, emphasized the urgent need for health services, humanitarian aid, and reconstruction to help life return to Rafah.

However, he warned that it is still extremely dangerous for Palestinians to return to most parts of the city due to the ongoing risks posed by unexploded ordnance.

The destruction in Rafah includes homes, shops, streets, and healthcare facilities, as well as damage to essential infrastructure like electricity and water systems.

MSF staff also observed a child playing with an unexploded shell, highlighting the persistent danger in the area despite the cessation of bombings.

The situation in Rafah is a direct result of the Israeli military operation that began in May 2024, which caused widespread devastation across Gaza. This has left many Palestinians displaced, facing ongoing challenges such as disease outbreaks, malnutrition, and the psychological toll of forced displacement.