In a heartbreaking yet determined scene, a growing number of displaced families from southern Gaza have begun returning to the northern areas—where destroyed homes and devastated neighborhoods await—following months of forced displacement due to intense bombardment. This return is not a search for comfort, but a profound expression of belonging and an effort to cling to cherished memories amidst the ruins.
The South Offered No Safe Haven
As the attacks intensified, thousands of families fled to southern Gaza seeking safety, only to face a different kind of suffering—overcrowding, severe shortages of water and food, and the absence of essential services. With the partial easing of military operations in some northern areas, many families chose to return despite the destruction, driven by hope and longing for home.
Aqsa Association Paving the Way
In response to this difficult reality, Aksa Association launched a humanitarian initiative to remove debris from streets and home entrances, working with specialized field teams to facilitate the return of displaced families and provide a safer environment. This effort enabled hundreds of families to access what remained of their homes and begin partial repairs despite limited resources.
Comprehensive Aid Supporting Return
Alongside rubble removal, the association continued distributing food parcels, hot meals, and clean drinking water in affected areas. It also provided temporary housing units for families whose homes were completely destroyed, in addition to distributing hygiene supplies, mattresses, and blankets to meet basic needs.
Recognizing the psychological toll of displacement and destruction, the association launched mental health support programs, especially for children and women. These include group therapy sessions and recreational activities aimed at restoring emotional balance and a sense of security. Through these integrated efforts, Aksa Association affirms that true return begins with clearing rubble and restoring dignity—made possible with the support of donors from Turkey and around the world.
