Returning to a Home That Isn't There
Amidst piles of concrete and dust, an elderly woman knelt on the ground that was once her living room. She wept, not with joy, but with the realization that the home she left five years ago was no more. "We felt the horrors of war," she whispered, brushing away the shattered earth. This scene is not just a story; it is the reality for thousands of Palestinian refugees returning to Gaza in 2025, part of the largest wave of returns recorded by the United Nations.
According to a UN report, nearly 15 million refugees worldwide chose to return to their places of origin in 2025. Over 1.2 million of them were Palestinians who had previously been displaced by recurring conflicts in the Gaza Strip. These returns occurred amidst a fragile ceasefire, with many areas still unsafe for reoccupation.
Why Did They Return?
For many refugees, the decision to return was not easy. For years, they lived in crowded camps in neighboring countries like Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt, waiting for a moment that might never come. However, 2025 brought a change. International diplomatic pressure, coupled with promises of billions of dollars in reconstruction aid, prompted many to try their luck again.
"We no longer want to be refugees," said Ahmad, a father of three who returned to northern Gaza. "It is better to die on our own land than to live as beggars in a foreign country." This sentiment echoed in every refugee camp. However, most returnees found that the homeland they longed for was merely a memory. Basic infrastructure such as water supply, electricity, and schools remained destroyed. The UN estimates that 70% of buildings in Gaza suffered partial or total damage.
The Burden of Trauma and Loss
Returning was not just a physical challenge, but also a psychological one. Many returnees were burdened by the trauma of losing family members, homes, and their identity. "Every corner reminds me of my child who was killed by a bomb," said Fatima, a mother who returned to Khan Younis. Local mental health organizations reported a 300% increase in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) cases among returnees.
Children were not spared either. In temporary schools set up under tents, many students struggled to concentrate, haunted by the fear of loud noises. "They seem to still be living in a war that has already ended," said a teacher. The healing process will take years, if not decades.
The Challenge of Living Amidst Ruins
More than half a million returning Palestinian refugees are now living in temporary settlements โ tents, containers, or half-destroyed homes. Limited access to clean water has triggered outbreaks of diseases like cholera and diarrhea. Gaza's health authorities are struggling with shortages of medicine and medical equipment, while economic blockades continue to hinder the entry of essential goods.
International diplomacy, meanwhile, is moving slowly. Although some countries like Qatar and Turkey have sent aid, the amount needed is far greater. A World Bank report stated that Gaza's recovery would require at least US$12 billion over five years. However, to date, only 30% of that amount has been pledged.
Solidarity and Hope
Despite all the hardships, the spirit of solidarity remains strong. Local survivors are working together to rebuild homes. Volunteers from around the world, including Malaysia, are also providing medical aid and psychological support. "We cannot leave them alone," said a humanitarian worker from the World Health Organization.
Amidst the ruins, signs of life are beginning to emerge. Small stalls selling bread, modest farmers' markets, and children playing in the alleys โ all these prove that life continues to pulse. "We have been through hell, but we are still here," said a young man, patching his damaged roof. "This is our land. We are not leaving again."
Looking Ahead: What Is Needed?
To ensure that these returns are sustainable and dignified, several crucial steps need to be taken. First, the ceasefire must be maintained and institutionalized into lasting peace. Second, the international community must fulfill its aid pledges without political conditions. Third, psychosocial support efforts must be intensified to treat the widespread trauma.
At the same time, Palestinians demand that their right to self-determination be fully recognized. "We don't want to be just statistical numbers," said a local community leader. "We want to live with dignity, on the land inherited from our ancestors."
This story of return is a reminder that war does not end merely with a ceasefire. It ends when every victim can return to a peaceful life, in a safe home, with intact hope. For millions of Palestinian refugees, that journey is still long. However, every step towards home โ even just a single step โ is a victory.
*This writing is based on reports from Al Jazeera and data from the UN and other humanitarian organizations.*