Hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians are beginning to return to the ruins of northern Gaza, having spent over 15 months away from their homes due to extensive conflict. After the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, this historic movement is met with feelings of both joy and despair.
On Sunday, January 27, 2025, residents marched through ashen landscapes, flanked by the remnants of buildings turned to rubble. The scene was somber, yet filled with hopeful anticipation as roads, stripped of pavement, became lifelines, paving the way back home.
"We came here at six in the morning to find massive, unprecedented destruction," said Walid Abu Jiab, who returned to his home in Jabalia. The deep dismay echoed through the neighborhoods where former apartment buildings lay crumbled after the extensive bombing campaign launched by Israeli forces.
The military operation began intensively focused on the northern region of Gaza, initiated under the guise of preventing Hamas fighters from regrouping. This led to civilians bearing the brunt of significant airstrikes and enduring severe hardships amid stringent aid blockades throughout Gaza.
Among those returning was Rana Mohsen, who spoke to reporters about her mixed feelings. "We've been waiting for this moment for 16 months. My joy is indescribable. We are finally returning home. There is no home left, just rubble, but it's our home," she said, highlighting the emotional contradiction many feel upon returning to their homeland.
Despite the devastation, the atmosphere among many returnees was celebratory. Crowds gathered, cheering and expressing jubilance as families reunited after long separations. Muhammad al-Shaer remarked, "The residents have returned to the city of Rafah, even though it is no longer a city. Thousands of citizens are on their way back." His words captured the elation mixed with the stark realization of the destruction.
The return was not merely about reclaiming physical space; for many Gazans, it represented hope and the potential for renewal. Ahmad al-Balawi, who hurried back to Rafah, echoed this when he noted the shock of returning to his once-thriving community: "Decomposing bodies, rubble, and destruction everywhere. Entire areas have been completely wiped out. Yet we still carry hope for rebuilding."
The trauma from the prolonged conflict is undeniable, with palpable reminders etched across the barely recognizable streets of Gaza. Reports from humanitarian organizations have described the crisis as one of the worst periods witnessed, with civilians bearing the brunt: "the war sparked by Hamas's surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023," led to staggering casualties, with local officials estimating over 47,000 lives lost.
Yet, amid the destruction, the drive for survival and resilience continues. Subhi Arafat, one returning resident, expressed relief and hope as he made his way north on foot. "This is the moment I’ve been waiting for throughout months of forced displacement. I'm finally going home," he mentioned, illustrating the collective yearning for reconstruction.
Joyous scenes filled the air as children laughed for the first time after long periods of displacement. Parents reunited with their children, creating heartwarming glimpses of togetherness amid uncertainty. Muhammad Halaweh recounted the deep emotional reunion with his relatives, highlighting, "My feelings can’t be described. Thank God, I’ve been reunited with my family after the Occupation separated us during the war. We're steadfast people, who defend our land, and no amount of destruction will dampen our spirit to rebuild."
Despite the extensive damages and challenges faced, Gazans show remarkable resilience. The stories of returning families paint a picture of collective strength, awash with hope for the future. Shadi Abu Sala'a, another returning home, described his emotional return by stating, "I feel as though I've been born again. We’ve endured unimaginable suffering, but we will rebuild because we are people who deserve life."
Government officials from Gaza have pledged to assist returning families, with early efforts focusing on clearing streets and restoring some functionality to the shattered urban fabric. With their streets packed and lives disrupted, citizens endeavor to re-establish their communities.
Nonetheless, the uncertainty of what awaits these families lingers. The reality of returning to almost apocalyptic conditions presents significant challenges. Many now face the task of rebuilding lives atop the rubble of their past. The Gazan police and local authorities are deploying efforts to ease the return process, striving to make the days following this historic return manageable for the repatriates.
While many Palestinians took pleasure both at homecoming and the views of recovery, undercurrents of deep trauma remind them of the pain underlying their shattered communities. The future remains uncertain, yet the voices of determination rise amid the echoes of despair.