https://en.sputniknews.africa/20250121/thousands-return-home-to-gaza-amid-ceasefire-sputnik-shares-stories-of-survival-and-loss-1070285327.html
Thousands Return Home to Gaza Amid Ceasefire: Sputnik Shares Stories of Survival and Loss
Thousands Return Home to Gaza Amid Ceasefire: Sputnik Shares Stories of Survival and Loss
Sputnik Africa
Last Wednesday, Israel and Hamas, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, agreed to a 42-day ceasefire, aiming to end hostilities that killed over 47,000... 21.01.2025, Sputnik Africa
2025-01-21T11:27+0100
2025-01-21T11:27+0100
2025-01-21T11:52+0100
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Thousands of Palestinians are making their way back to their homes across the Gaza Strip following the announcement of a ceasefire. A Sputnik correspondent reported that roads in the city of Rafah are filled with people traveling by car, cart, bicycle, and on foot, hoping to reclaim some semblance of normalcy.For many, the journey home is bittersweet, as they confront the ruins of their lives after months of conflict. Sputnik spoke with several refugees, each bearing their own story of survival and grief.Reflecting on the devastation, he remarked that sleep felt like a gift, given everything that had happened over the past year. He mentioned that many of his nephews had died, as well as his uncle and brothers, and that their house had been completely destroyed.Atyiah Abu Hamida, who lost five family members, spoke of his struggle to find shelter.Others, like Jamilah Fathi, expressed gratitude despite the hardships.For Nafin Sarhan, going back home was a mix of relief and sorrow, because her house had been nearly demolished.The ceasefire has offered a reprieve, but for many, the path to rebuilding their lives will be long and fraught with challenges. As people sift through the rubble and recount their losses, the stories of survival serve as a testament to the resilience of those living in Gaza.
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gaza, israel, ceasefire, refugees, hamas, conflict, death toll, middle east, international, genocide, video
Thousands Return Home to Gaza Amid Ceasefire: Sputnik Shares Stories of Survival and Loss
11:27 21.01.2025 (Updated: 11:52 21.01.2025) Christina Glazkova
Writer / Editor
Last Wednesday, Israel and Hamas, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, agreed to a 42-day ceasefire, aiming to end hostilities that killed over 47,000 Palestinians and around 1,500 Israelis over 15 months, and triggered regional conflicts.
Thousands of Palestinians are making their way back to their homes across the Gaza Strip following the announcement of a ceasefire.
A Sputnik correspondent reported that roads in the city of
Rafah are filled with people traveling by car, cart, bicycle, and on foot, hoping to reclaim some semblance of normalcy.
For many, the journey home is bittersweet, as they confront the ruins of their lives after months of conflict.
Sputnik spoke with several
refugees, each bearing their own story of survival and grief.
“When they said there would be a ceasefire, I calmed down a bit. I want to find a house, sleep, take a break from the explosions, blows and problems,” said Samir al Nahal.
Reflecting on the devastation, he remarked that sleep felt like a gift, given everything that had happened over the past year. He mentioned that many of his nephews had died, as well as his uncle and brothers, and that their house had been completely
destroyed.Atyiah Abu Hamida, who lost five family members, spoke of his struggle to find shelter.
“My family consists of 35 people. Only five people died, thank God. I would have been happy to find at least one room that was not destroyed, so I could live there with my family. But I didn't. I (with my children) had five houses, a shop and a storage for vegetables. Everything is destroyed,” he said.
Others, like Jamilah Fathi, expressed gratitude despite the hardships.
“We came to Rafah on foot. It took us two hours. Thank God, we made it. Rafah is a city of love and peace. I feel great joy. No one in the Gaza Strip could have dreamed that they would live to see this moment. Thank God that we survived to this moment and were able to experience these feelings,” he told Sputnik.
For Nafin Sarhan, going back home was a mix of relief and sorrow, because her house had been nearly demolished.
“We're back in our house. This is all, that's left, as you can see. This is how we found it, when we returned. That's my granddaughter. The only survivor of my family, one from 15 people. Where do we go? We’re just sitting here in the ruins,” she said.
The ceasefire has offered a reprieve, but for many, the path to rebuilding their lives will be long and fraught with challenges. As people sift through the rubble and recount their losses, the stories of survival serve as a testament to the resilience of those living in
Gaza.
