Returning to Gaza

For the first time since May 2024, people have been allowed to cross between Gaza and Egypt through the Rafah crossing – seen by many Palestinians as a lifeline to the world. Israel reopened the border after the body of the last Israeli hostage was returned.

So far, only a few of an estimated 20,000 sick and wounded people in the territory have been allowed through for medical treatment abroad. People are also coming back into Gaza but the numbers allowed are also very limited.

In our conversations, Gazans share experiences of their daily lives and their plans to see their families again. We also bring together Gazans living abroad who want to go back home.

“My body is in Ireland, but my soul is still in Gaza,” Rawanda, a student currently in Ireland tells us. “In every single moment I imagine myself in Gaza with my family and friends – I might return to rubble, but Gaza is still my home that I will never give up.”

And friends reunited - we bring together (on the phone at least) two friends remembering a happier time.

Presenter: James Reynolds
BBC producers: Lindsay Brown and Ben Davis
Boffin Media producer: Richard Hollingham
Editors: Arja Haikonen and Harriet Oliver
A Boffin Media production in partnership with the BBC Outside Source

(Photo: Palestinians coming from Rafah crossing arrive at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. Credit: Ramadan Abed/Reuters)