MUSCAT: For the first time in 15 months, Palestinians in Gaza awoke to a morning free from the distressing sounds of airstrikes and the urgent need to find shelter.
The fragile peace established by a ceasefire agreement on Sunday has brought a mix of relief and sorrow to many, including Palestinians in Oman who maintain a strong connection to their families and homeland.
In an exclusive interview with Times of Oman on Monday, Seema Basher, an Omani woman married to a Palestinian and a mother of three, recounted her harrowing experiences during the Gaza conflict.
Having spent 13 years living in Gaza, Seema provided a heartfelt account of the war's impact on lives and livelihoods.
“The emotions are conflicting,” she stated. “There is joy that the crisis has ended, but also sadness for what we have lost—family, friends, and homes. Yet, this is the cost of freedom. We regard them as martyrs in the eyes of God.”
Seema’s family encountered significant hardships throughout the war. “We resided in the Al Rimal neighborhood in Gaza, and our home was destroyed on the third day of the conflict. We had to move from one place to another before eventually coming to Oman,” she recounted.
The devastation has left profound scars, not only on the land but also on the hearts of those who have been displaced.
“The destruction has impacted all our family homes, some of which are still under occupation in the Netzarim area. All family members are currently in southern Gaza, feeling relief and happiness that the aggression has ceased, yet they are unable to return to their homes in the northern region,” Seema explained.
She also described the ongoing fear and trauma experienced by the people of Gaza.
The circumstances in Gaza have a profound impact on everyone, both within and beyond its borders. Consider the individuals who have endured months filled with fear and devastation, constantly hearing the ominous sounds of drones and fighter jets. The moment the bombings cease feels akin to gasping for air after a prolonged struggle underwater, yet the anguish lingers, and the memories are incredibly hard to bear.
Seema contemplated the remarkable resilience of the people in Gaza amid the destruction.
“The residents there don’t merely discuss the tranquility; they recount their losses—their homes reduced to rubble, their neighbors who have become part of the earth. In spite of all this, we possess an unwavering capacity to cling to hope,” she remarked.
Seema’s narrative is one among many that highlight the enduring fortitude of the Palestinian community.
Another Palestinian expatriate residing in Oman expressed his deep emotions after viewing videos of jubilant celebrations in the streets. “My family is out there celebrating their newfound freedom and the release of prisoners as part of the ceasefire agreement,” he shared.
Manal Awad, a Palestinian in Oman, stated: “I hail from Gaza, but my heritage traces back to Al Majdal, a city that has faced occupation since the Nakba of 1948.”
“My grandparents were compelled to leave their homeland and migrate to northern Gaza, forsaking their lands and homes. Even now, we retain the deeds to those properties.”
When the recent conflict erupted, her family was once again forced to flee. “We had to relocate to southern Gaza, driven by fear for our lives, particularly the safety of our children. We left everything behind once more, hoping to evade the horrors you’ve heard about.”
She remarked, “Unfortunately, like many others, we have lost some family members. May God grant them mercy, forgive them, and bestow upon them the honor of martyrdom. We have also lost our homes, which now lie in ruins. My house, where I envisioned starting a life with my husband after finishing my studies in Oman, has been destroyed, along with the dreams of returning to my homeland. However, we find comfort in knowing that our family members are still with us.”
In the wake of profound grief, there is a complex sense of relief following the ceasefire. “When the ceasefire was announced, we felt a wave of relief, knowing our loved ones were safe after enduring more than a year of fear and uncertainty. Yet, I do not view this as a victory. In a genocide, there are no true winners. Nevertheless, we are grateful that it has ended, allowing aid to finally reach our people in greater quantities.”
Looking toward the future of Gaza, her voice carries a tone of resolve. Manal stated, “We will rebuild it, God willing, and restore life to this nation as it once was.”
She also conveyed her appreciation for the support from the Omani people. “All my love goes to the compassionate people of Oman.”
Rebuilding their lives
In spite of the significant losses, their solidarity and resilience continue to inspire hope as they work to rebuild their lives.
For Palestinians in Oman, maintaining connections with their families in Gaza provides both comfort and a poignant reminder of the challenges that still lie ahead.
