Return to the Homeland.. "Gaza" that Lives Within Them Despite the Genocide.

SadaNews - Report: Hala Abu Lamdi **The gates of the Gaza Strip witnessed an extraordinary scene; hundreds of Palestinians stranded abroad set out toward their wounded city. They did not return in search of luxury but rather to connect with the wounds of their land, preferring to live among the ruins of their homes than to remain in the exile of waiting, in a scene that embodies the highest forms of belonging.** The bride Rabab Barbak (returning from the Arab Republic of Egypt) says: "I left all the countries of the world behind me and decided to return to Gaza despite all the destruction. My only goal was to meet my fiancé 'Sobhi' after years of waiting and separation. I did not care about safety abroad while Gaza is bleeding, for true life for me is to be by his side and among my family, even if that is among the rubble; for love and belonging to the homeland cannot be broken by wars or prevented by borders." Rabab explains that she faced many discouraging words and fears that haunted her in her exile, as some echoed in her ears that she would "be a widow before she is wed" and that her return to Gaza was a form of impossibility. However, her faith in meeting her fiancé 'Sobhi' was stronger than all those suspicions. She pointed out that her only dream was summarized in returning to the land of Gaza to stand beside Sobhi and to continue with him the chapters of their love story that endured against war and distances, affirming that she returned to build her dreams anew atop the rubble, and to document this epic and have a tale of pride to tell her children in the future; about a mother who broke the barrier of fear and prohibition to return to the embrace of her homeland and life partner, declaring that love and loyalty are the ultimate victory. On the other hand, in a scene filled with tears overflowing with both rage and determination, a Gazan woman arriving from Egypt shouted: "No to displacement, no to displacement, no one leaves Gaza, death is here and degradation is outside, stay steadfast in our land." The Gazan woman bitterly explained: "I did not reach my land easily, but I and my mother faced severe harassment, humiliating procedures, and extreme difficulties during the journey back to Gaza, and confirmed that what she and her mother endured was a suffering and harsh conditions on the road and at the crossing." In a related context, the Government Media Office in Gaza revealed shocking statistics reflecting the extent of suffering at the only gateway to the Strip; as the Rafah land crossing witnessed only 397 travelers crossing (going and returning) during a week, a very small percentage not exceeding 25% of the total registered for travel. Official data indicates that the number of returnees to the Strip reached only 172 people, while 26 travelers were forcibly prevented from leaving and returned. These numbers confirm that opening the crossing under the cease-fire arrangements remains "partial and restricted," subject to strict security conditions that deprive thousands of their right to freedom of movement. The return of these returnees to Gaza after a long period of prohibition is a reflection of the will to stay; they did not return to find luxury, but rather to share with their families the bitter bread of life and stand with them above the ruins of homes. This return will remain a landmark in the history of war, a testament that belonging to Gaza is stronger than the war machine, and nobler than all decisions of closure and prohibition.