Saaed Salem's experience reflects the grief and resilience of Palestinians in Gaza. After losing his home in 1948, he and his family faced permanent exile. As Israeli troops reentered Gaza in October 2023, Salem chose to remain in his damaged neighborhood, refusing to repeat the mistake of leaving again. Despite living in dire conditions, he endured bombings and famine, illustrating a commitment to his land and history. His narrative emphasizes the deep-seated trauma and the persistent hope for a future despite overwhelming hardships.
"We locked our house, took the key, and walked toward Gaza, believing we'd return in a few days... We wished a thousand times that we had stayed and faced death instead."
"When Israeli troops moved into Gaza in October 2023... We had sworn not to make that mistake again, he said. They stayed in north Gaza during the war."
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