Today is a historic day, as Palestinians in the Gaza Strip returned to northern Gaza. This comes after more than 15 months of Israel’s genocidal campaign, and following more delays in the form of violations of the ceasefire agreement by Israel, which used deadly force to prevent Palestinians from returning yesterday. In the thousands, Palestinians followed the roads leading to the north starting early this morning. I awoke this morning to hundreds and hundreds of videos of people expressing their joy at returning and commitment to remaining, heartwrenching reunions of family and friends, and the deep sense that this is only the beginning of a larger process of return.
To see Palestinians returning to northern Gaza — and, meanwhile, Lebanese people returning to their villages in southern Lebanon as well — is truly a sight for sore eyes. Those of us watching from afar, whether in Palestine or outside of it, can’t help but feel stirred by the emotion and love in these pictures and videos. On a personal level, I feel a deep sense of pride that I can claim any relation to such strong, resolute, resilient, and determined people. It’s truly a historical day.
We must remember, though, that these images don’t mark the end of our work. Both in terms of supporting people in Gaza as they rebuild their lives, and working for justice through decolonization in Palestine, this day marks the start of new efforts. Our commitment to material change requires sacrifice, whether it is of time, money, or other resources. We all have something we can contribute.
You can find projects to donate to on our website.
Until liberation and return for us all, Lara Kilani
Images of the Great Return
Palestinians began returning to northern Gaza early this morning in the thousands, crossing the Netzarim corridor by Al Rashid Street. Photo by Muath Abuta.Northern Gaza residents were met by preparations made to greet them. Other, similar signs were placed all over the northern Gaza Strip by those who remained. Teams of civil defense workers and ambulances were also ready to receive the displaced people as they arrived. Photo by @Hakeam_ps on Twitter and Instagram.Families were reunited as they began to arrive in northern Gaza; this family was divided and separated by the genocidal violence across the north and south of the Gaza Strip. Video by Osama Abu Rabea.Anas Al-Sharif, a journalist who remained steadfast in northern Gaza throughout the more than 15 months of Israel’s genocidal aggression, reunited with his colleague and friend, Saleh Al-Jafarawi, who was forcibly displaced to the south. After seeing the pain both of these men have endured live and on camera for more than a year, seeing joy on their faces is an indescribable relief. Video by Saleh Al-Jafarawi.This man, upon returning to northern Gaza, raised some of the sand to his lips to kiss it. He described the various forms of horrific violence enacted against Palestinians in Gaza, and proclaimed that despite it all, the people remained steadfast. Video by Hussam Azam.This elderly woman returned to northern Gaza on what looks like a stretcher pushed by a younger man. Nonetheless, she celebrated with vigor at the reality of returning to her home in the north. Video by Muhammad Daher.A Palestinian returnee to northern Gaza prostrates himself on the ground in an offer of thanks to God. Unknown photographer.
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