Gazans displaced by the Israel-Hamas war say they are awaiting a “bittersweet” return home on Sunday as a ceasefire deal takes effect, bringing respite to over a year of Israeli bombardment.
For Ahmad Al-Hamadiyat – a merchant from Sheikh Radwan, a neighborhood in Gaza City, who has been displaced in Al-Zawaida, central Gaza – the thought of returning to a home left in ruins evokes conflicting emotions.
Al-Hamadiyat described feeling “joyful yet incomplete” due to the loss of loved ones, homes, memories and dreams. “Everything has turned to ashes,” he said.
Raed Ridwan, from northern Gaza’s Jabalya refugee camp but displaced in central Deir al-Balah, described his “immense relief” upon hearing of the ceasefire agreement.
“I no longer have to wonder if I might leave and not return or if I might return to find them gone because of a sudden, treacherous airstrike.”
He continued that he intends to return home despite it being reduced to rubble. “I don’t want another war. All I want is a wall to lean on after the exhaustion of these days and a cup of water to end the thirst of these months.”
