After a fierce conflict that lasted for about 15 months, a ceasefire has finally come into effect in Gaza. With this, displaced Palestinians have started returning to their homes. The news of the end of the war has once again awakened hope in the hearts of the people. The wounds inflicted by the conflict are deep, but the joy of returning home and the desire to meet loved ones have strengthened them.
The impact of displacement and the hope of returning home
The story of the people affected by the situation in Gaza is heart touching. Majida Abu Jarad, who was living in the tent city of Muwasi with her husband and six daughters, is one of them. His family was repeatedly displaced during the war. Majida says, “We left our hideout seven times. “Each time we become more ignorant.”
During these difficult times, his family lived in schools among strangers, yearning for even clean water. Now after the ceasefire, they are preparing to return to their homes again. They hope that by meeting their relatives, their broken lives will be reunited.
The way to return home after the struggle
Many Palestinians had begun returning home even before the ceasefire came into effect. Loaded with goods on carts pulled by donkeys, they are traveling through rough roads. People like Mohammed Mahdi, whose homes have been destroyed, are walking through debris-filled streets in the hope of meeting their loved ones. Mahdi explains, “The paths are difficult, but the joy of meeting loved ones outweighs them all.”
Hamas police in Gaza City are also helping people return home safely.
Celebratory atmosphere even amidst devastation
Even though the houses of Mahdi and others have been destroyed, their happiness knows no bounds. Mahdi says, “People are removing debris from their homes and streets. This is the moment we have been waiting for for 15 months.”
Um Saber, a 48-year-old widow who returned to her home in Beit Lahiya also shared her story. He told that while returning home, dead bodies were found scattered on the way. “Some bodies were lying there for weeks,” He said. But despite this pain, the joy of returning home was clearly visible on his face.
Background of the conflict in Gaza
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas terrorists attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people. In response, the Israeli army started massive bombing of Gaza. This conflict not only brought devastation but also rendered millions of people homeless.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 46,000 Palestinians were killed in this war, while Israel claims that it killed more than 17,000 terrorists. However, no concrete evidence was provided to support this claim.
Hope for a new beginning after the ceasefire
The ceasefire has not only given people an opportunity to return home but has also given hope for a new beginning. Despite destroyed homes and broken lives, Palestinians are returning to their homes. In their hearts there is a yearning to meet their loved ones and a determination to start afresh on their land.
The Gaza conflict and the resulting humanitarian tragedy is a big lesson for the world. This small moment of peace has shown how deep are the roots of humanity, which grow the plant of hope even after every devastation.
