Three women living in a refugee camp near Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir el-Balah, Gaza, shared their stories with Al Jazeera about fleeing their homes during the Israeli bombing and holding onto the keys to their houses as a symbol of their displacement. Abeer, 37, dreams of returning to her home in al-Karama, north of Gaza City, even if it means living in the ruins. Wafaa, 20, had to leave her home in as-Saftawi, north of Gaza City, while pregnant with her first child and now longs to return to her small apartment with her husband Islam. Hiba, 29, regrets leaving her home out of fear during the bombing and wishes for the war to end so she can have the everyday luxuries she once took for granted.
These women hold onto their keys as a sign of hope and resilience, despite the horrors they have endured. The war has displaced them multiple times, with their homes now lying in ruins. They long for the simple routines and comforts they once had before the conflict began. Their stories serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by the people of Gaza and the urgent need for peace and stability in the region.
As they continue to live in overcrowded camps, they hold onto their memories of home and dreams of returning one day. Despite the hardships they have faced, their resilience and determination to rebuild and return to their homes remain unwavering. Their hope for a better future for themselves and their families serves as a powerful testament to their strength and unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com