Amid the scars of relentless war and separation, Gaza’s northern residents are preparing for a bittersweet reunion with their loved ones displaced to the south during 15 months of bombardment and loss. The ceasefire agreement, effective since mid-January, has ignited hope and anticipation as families ready themselves to welcome the return of those who fled destruction.

On January 26, under the terms of the truce, displaced individuals will begin their journey back north on foot via Al-Rashid Coastal Road. This stretch of road, laden with memories of escape and survival, is now envisioned as a corridor of reunions, joy, and heartache. For many, it marks the beginning of healing as they anticipate the return of their cherished family members.

Sawsan Imad, 27, waits anxiously for the return of her relatives and friends. Her words, filled with longing, echo the emotions of countless Gazans: “In Gaza, we were separated without goodbyes, consumed by survival and fear. Now, all we can imagine is the moment of reunion, the first embrace, the unspoken love." Yet, even in this anticipation, Sawsan reflects on the incomplete joy, as her uncle returns having lost two sons and grandchildren in the war.

For Sawsan, the reunion is not just about joy but about rebuilding connections amidst loss. “We will laugh and cry in every street, relive memories, and quench the thirst in our hearts," she says. “Our solace lies in reuniting with those we love."

Similarly, Fathia Saqallah, 34, is preparing her sister’s home, cleaning away remnants of war. She eagerly anticipates heading to Al-Rashid Road, where the first embraces will bridge the chasm of separation. She says, “We don’t know who will run to embrace the other first. The eagerness to meet melts the heart."

For some, the joy of reunion is tempered by profound grief. Afnan Daloul, who lost over 50 family members during the massacres, remains steadfast in her hope to reunite with her displaced relatives. Despite the pain of her family’s losses, she focuses on the love that remains: “We are ready to sit on the rubble of our destroyed homes, just to be together again.”

The resilience of families like Afnan reflects the indomitable spirit of Gaza’s people. Their eagerness to reunite, even under the weight of tragedy, highlights their unwavering connection to home and family.

As the ceasefire holds, Al-Rashid Coastal Road will witness not just physical returns but emotional ones. Families will come together to rebuild their lives, their homes, and their community. The longing for loved ones, the embrace of home, and the strength to rebuild are what sustain Gaza’s people in the face of unimaginable loss. This reunion is a testament to their resilience and a reminder that even amid devastation, the bonds of family and the love for home remain unbroken.