Thousands of Palestinians returned to their homes in the ruins of Gaza’s main southern city Khan Younis, after Israeli forces ended a week-long incursion there which they said aimed to prevent Hamas from regrouping.

According to Reuters, Palestinian health officials said rescue workers had so far recovered 42 bodies of Palestinians killed in the Israeli incursion into eastern Khan Younis.

Gaza’s Civil Emergency Service said more searches were underway with 200 people still reported missing.

The Israeli military said its forces killed more than 150 Palestinian fighters during the week-long raid, destroyed tunnels and seized weapons.

After the Israeli forces left, people streamed back to their homes on foot and with donkey carts carrying their belongings. Many found their houses damaged or destroyed.

Witnesses said army forces had bulldozed the main cemetery in Bani Suhaila, the town on the eastern outskirts of Khan Younis that was the main focus of the raid, as well as houses and roads nearby.