Access to power and internet is limited in Esraa Shaheen’s neighborhood in northern Gaza, a zone where Israeli bombing has significantly damaged the infrastructure.
Rumors of US President Donald Trump’s plan to relocate Palestinians from the territory still reach here. Esraa finds these comments provocative, feeling that Palestinians are not in control of their own lives.
However, she acknowledges the “death and destruction” that surrounds her community.
Image source, Ali Jadallah/Anadolu
The 23-year-old describes her neighborhood, once vivid and recognizable, now lying in ruins around her.
Inspite of these challenges, Esraa is resolute in staying, driven by her desire to be reunited with her fiancé and the overwhelming joy of returning home.
The Journey Begins
A shy person by nature, Esraa struggled to adjust to the crowded classroom in central Gaza where she lived for months.
“I prefer to stay at home, specifically in my own room, rather than going out and walking around,” she says.
In such a chaotic environment, “there was no place for calm, stability, or comfort,” she explains.
Despite the bleak outlook, Esraa was elated by the news of a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, allowing her to return to her birthplace.
This decision came after the grueling 15-month war that began immediately after her graduation. Hamas fighters launched attacks that resulted in over 1,200 deaths in Israel and the capture of 251 hostages.
Israel responded with a relentless offensive that claimed the lives of more than 47,500 people in Gaza, with two-thirds of the buildings destroyed or damaged, according to the UN.
Her fiancé had remained in the northern part of Gaza, working at a hospital. Initially reluctant to leave, he was later unable to do so.
In the early days of the conflict, over a million people were ordered to evacuate northern Gaza by the Israeli military as they fought Hamas gunmen, with more forced evacuations following.
On January 27th, she recorded a video of her departure, expressing her overwhelming joy at the prospect of returning home after 15 months away.
“After a year and three months, we will return to our neighbourhood”
Road to Reunion
Geographically small, the distance from Deir al-Balah to Esraa’s home was just 20km, but the challenging terrain and throngs of people made the journey arduous, extending over seven hours.
Her first leg was a car ride to the coastal al-Rashid street, then a footwalk through a massive crowd, ultimately reaching Gaza City.
Image source, Ashraf Amra/Anadolu
Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were returning to their homes in northern Gaza after more than a year of displacement.
Children were carried through the crowds with limited possessions, while prams were filled with supplies, navigating through mounds of dirt.
Initially, people were happy and singing, but as the journey dragged on, frustration set in, and exhaustion took its toll.
In a video captured during her journey, Esraa expressed fear at the unknown destruction awaiting her in the north.
The “Gaza welcomes you” sign marked their entry into Gaza City.
“Finally. Thank God. Thank God,” she exclaimed in her video, describing the destruction as indescribable.
Her fiancé was waiting with flowers. Embracing each other, they drove home, listening to a song celebrating their reunion.
“‘Welcome to Gaza.’ Finally. Thank God”
“This feeling—we needed it,” she recalled of the reunion.
Driving home, Esraa noticed that much of her neighborhood was gone, recognizing none of the formerly familiar streets and houses.
