Cutting through destruction - Gaza barber rebuilds salon amid rubble, defying war's devastation

"Basem al-Ghafri, a young barber, has transformed the ruins of his destroyed home in Gaza City's Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood into a working space, continuing his passion and trade amid the devastation caused by years of conflict.  Footage taken on Thursday shows al-Ghafri sweeping hair and rubble beneath the collapsed ceiling, with a mirror hanging precariously as customers wait for his services.  "I used to run a large barbershop from this house, with lots of clients. The house was destroyed during the last Israeli invasion of the Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood," recounted al-Ghafri. Al-Ghafri emphasised that reopening the salon was an act of resilience while expressing concern for his clients' safety amid the destruction.  "I set up this salon in defiance of the challenges and pain we are experiencing. I decided to rise above the rubble instead of dwelling on it," he continued. "I feel unsafe, as the place is not secure, and there is a risk of the remaining rubble collapsing. But we have no choice due to the difficult situation we are living in." Many Gazans continue to live under the rubble of their homes to escape the harsh winter conditions, despite repeated warnings to seek safer shelter after several unstable buildings collapsed, killing and injuring dozens, according to reports. Sheikh Radwan, built in 1973 and located near the Shati refugee camp, suffered extensive destruction from Israeli Defence Forces during the two-year war in Gaza. Mass displacement and extreme deprivation persist in the enclave, with around 90 per cent of Gaza's 2.1 million population forced from their homes and an estimated 80 per cent of the city's buildings destroyed. Israel and Hamas signed a ceasefire agreement that came into effect on October 10 as part of the 20-point 'Trump Plan'. The deal includes a halt to hostilities, the release of all hostages - living and deceased - and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza."