In the aftermath of a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, the situation in Gaza remains dire as many residents return to their devastated homes. Approximately 70% of Gaza's 2.1 million inhabitants are registered as refugees with the United Nations. These individuals are often descendants of Palestinians displaced during the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict, known as the "Nakba" or catastrophe. A pivotal event in history, it saw some 700,000 Palestinians expelled or forced to flee their homes during the creation of Israel. Since then, Palestinians have been barred from returning to their ancestral homes in what is now Israel.
Recently, some 500,000 displaced Palestinians made their way back to northern Gaza within the first 72 hours after Israeli forces permitted their return. The Gaza Government Media Office reported that nearly a quarter of the enclave's population has undertaken this journey. Life in northern Gaza is challenging, with residents facing shortages of water and electricity amidst extensive destruction.
In a controversial move, US President Donald Trump suggested that Jordan and Egypt could provide refuge for Palestinians from Gaza. This proposal was met with strong criticism and outrage among Gazans, who remain determined to stay and rebuild despite the harsh conditions.
Many across Gaza have returned to their homes following last month's ceasefire. Awni Al Wadia, who fled his home in northern Gaza last year, emphasized the importance of collective memory regarding the events of 1948 as a reason for staying put. Similarly, Amir Karaja expressed his resolve to CNN, stating he would "rather eat the rubble" than leave his homeland.
“This is our land, and we are the honest and true owners of the land. I won’t be displaced. Not (Trump) nor anyone else can uproot us from Gaza,” – Karaja
Awatef Abu Sitta echoed these sentiments in an interview with CNN, citing the destruction of her children's homes and her own partially destroyed house as reminders of why she will not leave Gaza.
“All of our children’s homes have been demolished and our house is half destroyed. Rain comes into the house, cold is coming in, and we will stay whatever happens, even if we stay in the tent, even if they give us castles and villas, we are not leaving our lands,” – Awatef Abu Sitta
The collective resolve of Palestinians in Gaza highlights their determination to remain on their land despite adversity and external suggestions to relocate.
“We will not leave our land or homes, despite the great destruction and everything that happened in Gaza, we are here and will remain here,” – Iyam Jahjouh
Ahmad Safi further reinforced this sentiment, expressing a preference for enduring hardship in Gaza rather than seeking refuge elsewhere.
“We lived under bombardment for a year and a half. After all this suffering, starvation, bombardment and death, we won’t easily leave Gaza,” – Ahmad Safi
“We prefer Gaza’s hell than the paradise of any other country… if we are given all the money of the world we won’t leave this land,” – Ahmad Safi
These voices from Gaza convey a strong message: despite the extensive destruction and ongoing challenges, Palestinians remain committed to their land and heritage. Trump's suggestion for relocation does not align with their aspirations or sense of identity.
“Please send this message to Trump: that is the last thought that would cross our mind,” – Awni Al Wadia
