DaysofPal – Thirty-six Palestinians arrived late Sunday night at Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, marking the sixteenth group of returnees to the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing from Egypt. Their return carried mixed emotions of sorrow and joy. Many appeared exhausted following lengthy interrogations and strict procedures imposed by Israeli authorities at the crossing.
Alaa Farwa, who was waiting for her mother’s arrival, spoke through tears of relief. “My mother is my soul, my life, my breath,” she said.
“I feel overwhelming joy that she will be with us, especially during Ramadan. Two years of separation and being deprived of her presence was the most painful part.”
Her mother, Firoz Farwa, performed a prayer of gratitude upon arrival. “I had lost hope of returning,” she said. “When I registered online, the response came quickly. I thank God for reuniting me with my family. The journey was difficult, but everything fades when I am reunited with my loved ones.”
Mohammed Mhanna also expressed deep happiness at returning to Gaza, despite suffering severe injuries from Israeli bombardment and losing his father, mother, and older brother during the war.
Israeli authorities reopened the Rafah crossing on February 2 under very limited conditions and strict measures, following its closure in May 2024 when Israeli forces entered the city of Rafah.
Government sources in Gaza report that Israeli forces continue to impose obstacles on travel through the crossing in both directions and have not adhered to the agreed numbers of travelers stipulated under the ceasefire that took effect on October 10, 2025.
Hundreds of Palestinians crossed Rafah every day in both directions prior to the genocide under a system run by Egyptian authorities and Gaza’s Interior Ministry without Israeli intervention.
On October 7, 2023, Israel began its genocidal campaign against Gaza with support from the United States.
Over 72,000 Palestinians were killed and over 171,000 were injured during the two-year conflict, the majority of whom were women and children. Ninety percent of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure was destroyed.
Shortlink for this post: https://daysofpalestine.ps/?p=72411
