Gazans Begin the Journey Home Amidst Uncertain Future**

Gazans are returning home after 15 months of displacement, but they confront severe infrastructure challenges and a lack of essential resources as the rebuilding process begins.**

Gaza is witnessing a significant movement of displaced persons as thousands begin their trek back home after enduring a 15-month hiatus from their communities. The proximity of the Gaza Strip makes this journey physically short, yet what awaits many is an uncertain future in a region drastically changed by war.

“It’s a daunting task ahead; everything is in ruins,” said Ghada el-Kurd, a Gazan journalist making her way back to northern Gaza from Deir el-Balah. She expressed the stark reality: “We must rebuild from the ground up.” The immediate humanitarian needs are starting to be addressed, but the long-term challenges are non-negotiable.

“Currently, aid is at levels we haven't seen since the beginning of the conflict,” stated Sam Rose of the UN's Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA). They are managing to provide basic necessities such as food, water, and hygiene products, yet the road to recovery is lengthy.

The devastation of Gaza is extensive, with the UN estimating that about 70% of buildings have been damaged or destroyed since October 2023. Areas such as Jabaliya have been almost entirely flattened, with many residents displaced and left to find shelter amid the chaos.

The call for immediate assistance is echoed through the Hamas-run Government Media Office, which urgently seeks tents and caravans as the demand for shelter escalates. Although the UN is prepared to aid with 20,000 tents that had been stuck at the border, resources remain meager.

As families return north, they encounter another displacement phenomenon; those who originally stayed are now being pressed to provide back accommodations left to them. Asmaa Tayeh describes the cramped conditions, with multiple families forced to cohabitate in single buildings, disrupting peace and privacy.

The effect of returning residents on local markets is immediate, as prices for goods surge due to heightened demand. “I noticed an increase in prices at the market for frozen fish,” Asmaa recounted. “The pressure on resources like water and electricity will inevitably rise,” adding another layer of complexity to the recovery.

Despite the adversity, those returning voice a sense of relief. “We are thrilled to come back, leaving behind the anguish we faced in the south and returning to Beit Hanoun,” shared one resident.

Discussions about relocating to neighboring countries like Egypt or Jordan have sparked significant backlash from officials there, who highlight fears concerning social stability and the psychological toll of bringing in traumatized populations.

In Gaza, the urgency for restoration is palpable. Gazan journalist Ghada el-Kurd suggests that if reconstruction doesn’t proceed swiftly, many will seek better opportunities elsewhere, noting, “People deserve a better life, but why not in Gaza?” The struggle for Gazans remains critical as they navigate a landscape of loss and uncertainty.