Asmaa Al-San’e moved cautiously among the photographs of those lost, her gaze tracing every tiny detail, moles on cheeks, the folds of clothing, the colour of a shoe, searching for the features of her husband, Salama Al-Aroqi, known as Abu Yahya. Each image was a doorway into untold stories of pain and resilience. The faces before her bore the marks of violence: disfigurement, blindfolds, bruises, and traces of ropes and whips. Yet she did not step back; every detail she examined was an act of love, loyalty, and remembrance.

Her journey through grief and determination was relentless. Each day, before beginning the search, she would pray, seeking strength to face the harshness of the reality displayed in the images. The anticipation was heavy, yet Asmaa felt an unshakable pull toward the truth. When her husband’s body was finally located, the moment was surreal: she did not see the scars of violence that haunted others, only his intact form. The news came like a whisper of mercy, and she accepted the restrictions placed upon her to see him, finding dignity and solace in the quiet farewell she could give.

Asmaa spoke of Abu Yahya with love and reverence, describing him as brave, gentle, and protective, a devoted father and husband. Her search, she said, reflected the broader ordeal of countless families in Gaza who have lost loved ones. Every photograph of the departed, every scarred face, was a reminder of the collective suffering endured. Yet, even amid the anguish, Asmaa’s resolve never wavered; every tear held back was an act of resilience, every careful examination of a photo an affirmation of memory and devotion.

For Asmaa, the search was more than personal, it was a testament to the strength of a people facing relentless hardship. Amid grief, loss, and the haunting traces of violence, she found a path through sorrow guided by faith, love, and an unyielding determination to honour the life and memory of her husband.