Gazing down from above, Gaza resembles the haunting remnants of an ancient civilization, laid bare after centuries of devastation. The landscape is a chaotic mosaic of shattered concrete and crumbled walls, marked by deep craters and roads that lead to nowhere. This is not the aftermath of a natural disaster, but rather a man-made catastrophe.

Less than two years ago, Gaza thrived as a bustling hub, vibrant with life amid its challenges. The streets echoed with children's laughter as markets buzzed with activity. However, that sense of normalcy has evaporated, reduced to dust by a relentless Israeli military campaign that has transformed the once lively enclave into a scene reminiscent of an apocalyptic wasteland.

Recently, the Guardian was granted rare access to observe Gaza from a Jordanian military aircraft delivering aid. This flight came as Israel resumed humanitarian airdrops, a response to overwhelming international pressure over the severe food and medical shortages that have left the population on the brink of famine.

The aerial view provided a unique insight into the devastation, as the plane flew over the charred remains of northern Gaza and Gaza City, now scarcely recognizable under layers of rubble and dust. Entire neighborhoods lie flattened, and the meager signs of life become visible only through powerful camera lenses.

As the aircraft approached the Nuseirat refugee camp, pallets of aid were released, parachuting toward the ground below. The Jordan Armed Forces proudly announced their airdrop efforts, stating they have conducted over 400 missions, delivering hundreds of tonnes of aid since the resumption of operations in July. Yet, the reality is stark — these efforts only skim the surface of the growing humanitarian crisis.

While the airdrops create a veneer of action, experts assert they are inefficient and insufficient compared to what ground deliveries could accomplish. The first 21 months of conflict saw airdrops that equated to just four days' worth of food for the beleaguered population of Gaza.

Tragedy also looms over these attempts to deliver aid. Past missions have resulted in fatalities, with people losing their lives while scrambling for food that fell into the sea.

The aircraft continued southward, passing over devastated areas such as Deir al-Balah, where the loss of young lives like that of 11-year-old Yaqeen Hammad serves as a haunting reminder of the ongoing violence. Further along, Khan Younis tells its own tale of despair, marked by the destruction of the home of Dr. Alaa al-Najjar, a pediatrician who lost her family to aerial bombardment.

The small size of Gaza, a mere sliver of land, amplifies the tragedy. This once vibrant region has become the setting for extreme violence, resulting in over 60,000 deaths according to health authorities. Many remain entombed under the remnants of their homes.

Among those left behind is Malak A Tantesh, a journalist and survivor. Displaced and faced with scarcity, she continues her brave work reporting from within Gaza as the world outside remains largely cut off from the ongoing crisis.

As the aircraft neared its return to Jordan, questions lingered amongst the journalists onboard: when will they return to Gaza, and how much more can be lost in this landscape already filled with shattered stones and graves?

The echoes of destruction resonate deeply, leaving a bitter reminder of the toll of conflict, and revealing a future shrouded in uncertainty for those who remain.