DaysofPal-It was like a human tide flowed one after the other, stretching across Al-Rashid coastal road west of the Gaza Strip.
The scene was marked by Palestinian families returning from the south of the Strip to the north after over 13 months of forced displacement, caused by the Israeli genocide waged by the Israeli occupation on all the governorates of the Gaza Strip.
At the break of dawn on Monday, as the clock struck seven, waves of Palestinian families began their journey from “Al-Nuweiri Hill” west of Al-Nuseirat in the central governorate, heading toward the northern region of the Strip in a scene filled with hope and longing.
Simultaneously, vehicles flocked along Salah Al-Din Street, reaching the former “Netzarim” military checkpoint in the heart of the Strip.
Standing in the middle of Al-Rashid Street, Abu Jihad Al-Ghandour cast his gaze in all directions, as if time were moving painfully slow due to his deep longing for his family, who had been forcibly separated from him for over 14 months.
“I’m very happy that I’ll finally see my daughter after such a long absence,” Al-Ghandour said.
He added, “Despite the displacement and the genocidal war waged by the occupation against us, we will remain steadfast. We will not leave our land, nor will we allow the Israeli occupation to achieve its plans of expelling us from the Gaza Strip.”
Al-Ghandour stressed that the Gaza Strip is in dire need of international community support and assistance from honorable people worldwide to provide the necessary aid and expedite the reconstruction process, especially with the return of thousands of families whose homes were destroyed.
The Joy of Reunion
Just a few meters away, Mohammad Halawa stood beside his wife, leaving their home at 5:30 a.m. to head to Al-Rashid Street.
Their faces reflected a mix of joy and longing. Halawa said, “Words cannot describe how I feel as I wait for my family and loved ones.”
With pride resonating in his voice, he added, “This is a day of celebration as we reunite with our loved ones. We are a steadfast and resilient people no matter what happens. May Allah have mercy on the martyrs, heal the wounded, and free the prisoners.”
Elsewhere, Nasser Al-Jumla walked briskly, as if racing against time to reach northern Gaza. Speaking with excitement to the newspaper’s correspondent, he said, “I feel as though I’ve been born again. After long journeys of displacement, I’m returning to my city, Gaza—the land of steadfastness and victory.”
With tears filling his eyes, he added, “I was displaced to Khan Yunis in the south, but today I return to my home. Despite all the pain and suffering, we will continue to stand firm until we achieve victory.”
Rana Abed, unable to hold back her tears upon reuniting with her son, expressed her feelings by saying, “Thank God the war is over, and I’ve seen my children safe and sound. Now, our lives will return to normal, and our beautiful family gatherings will resume.”
A Message of Resilience
When young Shadi Abu Sal’a set foot in Gaza City, he fell to the ground in prostration, kissing its soil.
With a voice full of longing, he said, “I was displaced from Jabalia to Rafah, and that’s where my suffering began after leaving the home where I lived the best days of my life.”
He continued, “Today, I feel as if I’ve been reborn. I brought a tent with me from the south, and I will pitch it on the ruins of my destroyed home in Jabalia. By God’s will, the beautiful days will return to Gaza, for it is the most beautiful place in the world.”
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