After the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza who had been displaced by the war finally had the chance to return home. Among them was Widyan Shaat, an aid worker and single mother of three who was displaced to the south of Gaza and was unable to return to her badly damaged house in the north until Israel opened military checkpoints. She described the moment she saw her house still standing as healing.
Ameer Hasanain, a 22-year-old student, also experienced great joy upon returning home and finding his house intact. However, after months of conflict, he is fearful that the violence could return and destroy his home once again. Hasanain also reflected on the loss of loved ones during the war and how his life will never be the same.
The ceasefire brought a temporary sense of relief to the people of Gaza, allowing them to assess the damage to their homes and communities. However, the fear of a return to violence looms large for many, as the conflict has left lasting scars on both the physical and emotional landscapes of Gaza.
As the people of Gaza navigate the challenges of rebuilding and healing in the aftermath of the war, the memories of their homecomings serve as a reminder of the fragility of peace in the region. The photographs captured during this time serve as a testament to the resilience and strength of the people of Gaza in the face of adversity.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com