Residents of Gaza Rejoice at Returning Home, But Are Uncertain about the Future

Palestinians are seen at the Rafah crossing ahead of their return to Gaza. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Palestinians are seen at the Rafah crossing ahead of their return to Gaza. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Residents of Gaza Rejoice at Returning Home, But Are Uncertain about the Future

Palestinians are seen at the Rafah crossing ahead of their return to Gaza. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Palestinians are seen at the Rafah crossing ahead of their return to Gaza. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Residents of Gaza rejoiced at being allowed to return to their homes in the coastal enclave as a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took hold. 

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat from the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, they said they were looking forward to the extension of the truce and return of peace. 

Many of those who fled the Israeli strikes had sought the Rafah area and Egypt’s al-Arish city. 

Ayman Hanieh, a father in his 40s had stayed in al-Arish with his relatives for around 50 days, said he was eager to return to Gaza to see his children. 

He had left the enclave before the war erupted on October 7 to seek treatment for a stroke, which left him in a wheelchair. He was planning on returning home on October 8, but the conflict derailed his plan. 

He remarked however, that he was unsure what awaits him when he returns, revealing that Israel had targeted his home. He declared though that he was determined to be reunited with his children, but will brace himself for the worst. 

He spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat about the “unknown” that awaits them, tearfully expressing his fear about the fate of his relatives. 

“Death in our nation is better than life outside of it,” Ayman added. 

“I don’t know how I'll be able to arrange affairs when I return to Gaza. I don’t even know how I will get back there or reach my children,” he stated. 

Atiyeh Abou Fadel, a man in his 30s, was waiting at the Rafah crossing to be allowed entry to return to his home in Khan Younis in southern Gaza. He had left the enclave three days before the war erupted. 

“The situation in Gaza is very difficult; everyone knows that. However, despite this, we want to return to our homes and relatives,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat. 

“Everyone is relieved with the ceasefire, but they don’t know what is in store for them,” he said. 

He hoped that everyone “could enjoy peace and calm, away from wars, strikes, killing and destruction.” 

He added that images of the victims that had emerged from Gaza continue to haunt him. “I don’t know if I will find my relatives and friends when I return,” he confided. 

Umm Ayman, a woman in his 70s, spoke with heartache about the disaster. “I want to die in my country,” she declared. 

“I’m afraid of returning to Gaza and not finding my family,” she said as she was overcome by tears. 



Israeli-Iranian Conflict Alarms Residents of Beirut’s Southern Suburbs

A Hezbollah supporter walks near a site previously targeted by an Israeli airstrike in Beirut’s southern suburbs during a pro-Iran demonstration on Friday (EPA)
A Hezbollah supporter walks near a site previously targeted by an Israeli airstrike in Beirut’s southern suburbs during a pro-Iran demonstration on Friday (EPA)
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Israeli-Iranian Conflict Alarms Residents of Beirut’s Southern Suburbs

A Hezbollah supporter walks near a site previously targeted by an Israeli airstrike in Beirut’s southern suburbs during a pro-Iran demonstration on Friday (EPA)
A Hezbollah supporter walks near a site previously targeted by an Israeli airstrike in Beirut’s southern suburbs during a pro-Iran demonstration on Friday (EPA)

As the Israeli-Iranian conflict intensifies, many Lebanese, particularly in Hezbollah strongholds such as South Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and Beirut’s southern suburbs, are bracing for the worst.

The possibility of Hezbollah’s involvement in the war has heightened fears of a broader escalation that could drag Lebanon into the conflict once again.

In Beirut’s southern suburb of Hayy al-Sellom, 44-year-old Hassan has already packed a bag, as have his siblings. He says they are waiting for the moment they might have to leave, hoping war doesn’t reach their doorstep.

Similarly, Abir, a resident of Burj al-Barajneh, says her family spends most of their time following the news. With an elderly and sick mother at home, she is worried about how they would evacuate if needed and has already begun looking for a temporary alternative place to stay.

The atmosphere in the southern suburbs is tense but quiet. Commercial activity has dropped noticeably, with shop owners reporting a decline in sales of fresh goods. Many families have already relocated to safer areas in the Bekaa and South Lebanon, especially after the school year ended.

Amina, a homemaker in her forties who lives near the airport road, is one of them. She plans to move to her village with her daughter while her husband remains in Beirut for work. She worries about the possibility of an Israeli strike near her home, which has already been targeted multiple times since the last ceasefire in November. Even without open war, she fears a sudden strike might occur nearby.

Still, not everyone is ready to leave. Kawthar, 30, says her family will stay put unless evacuation becomes absolutely necessary. She notes that in view of her limited financial means, moving isn’t a viable option. Despite the stress and constant presence of Israeli drones overhead, they are trying to maintain a sense of normalcy.

Outside Beirut, the fear is just as real. Mustafa, 77, from Bint Jbeil, says the South has been under near-daily fire, and any new war would only worsen an already fragile situation. He fears Hezbollah could be drawn into battle under Iranian pressure, especially if the US becomes involved.

In the Bekaa, residents like Hussein from Hermel echo similar concerns. Having homes in both Hermel and the southern suburbs - areas frequently targeted - he asks the question on everyone’s mind: Where would we go this time?