Displaced Palestinians who were allowed to return to Gaza described the journey home as both exhausting and emotionally taxing after Israel's limited reopening of Gaza's Rafah border crossing with Egypt.
The Rafah crossing, connecting Gaza to Egypt, had remained largely closed since Israeli forces seized control of it in May 2024, worsening Gaza's humanitarian situation. Its operations were limited and resumed on Feb. 2 under the latest ceasefire agreement, which took effect on Oct. 10, 2025.
Returnees said the journey back was complicated and marked by long waits.
Among them was Wafaa, a Palestinian returnee who recounted the complex security procedures she underwent before finally reaching her family.
"The feeling of reuniting with my family and husband after two years is indescribable. We've suffered a lot. Our journey started smoothly, but once we reached the Israeli side, it was the worst experience. We were detained for two hours of interrogation," said Wafaa.
Huda Abu Abed, who had been receiving medical treatment in Egyptian hospitals for two years, said passing through the Israeli inspection point at Rafah was a harsh and exhausting experience.
"Despite the humiliation and suffering, the happiness from meeting our loved ones gave us a moment of relief from what Israel did to us and what their army did to us, which they claim to be humane. I am a 57-year-old woman, a heart patient, blind in one eye while suffering from spinal problems, even so when their soldier saw me, he still dragged me away, tied my hands and blindfolded me," she said.
Human rights activists condemned Israel's violation of the returnees' freedom of movement.
"Israeli authorities impose complex restrictions that violate residents' right to freedom of movement. These procedures prevent people from accessing medical treatment, reuniting with their families inside or outside of the Gaza Strip. The Rafah crossing must be fully reopened to ensure civilians can exercise their fundamental right to movement for medical or educational reasons in accordance with international law," said Samir Al-Manaama, a lawyer of Al Mezan Center for Human Rights.
Gaza health authorities said on Sunday that more than 20,000 patients, including critical cases of cancer, heart disease, kidney failure, and severe injuries, are awaiting treatment abroad. They cited "harsh and painful testimonies" from patients who have faced delays and restrictions, worsening both their physical and psychological suffering.
Gaza returnees face hardship on journey home
The 24th Chinese Peacekeeping Contingent to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) held a solemn flag-raising ceremony in their barracks on Tuesday, the first day of the 2026 Chinese New Year, conveying warm wishes to fellow Chinese people and hope for regional peace.
In the early morning of Tuesday, the barracks of the Chinese peacekeeping forces were filled with a festive atmosphere, with red lanterns and couplets adorning the grounds, contrasting beautifully with the blue helmets symbolizing the peacekeeping mission.
As the anthem of the United Nations, the national anthem of Lebanon, and the national anthem of China were played in succession, the UN flag, the Lebanese national flag, and the Chinese national flag were slowly hoisted, with all officers and soldiers facing the flags and solemnly saluting.
The 24th Chinese peacekeeping contingent consists of a multi-functional engineering unit, a construction engineering unit, and a medical unit.
Since its deployment in Lebanon in December last year, the Chinese peacekeeping force has been working on the front lines of mine clearance and explosive ordnance disposal, engineering construction, and medical assistance, safeguarding region peace and stability with its professionalism and dedication, and winning high recognition from the United Nations and the Lebanese people.
Speaking after the flag-raising ceremony, Chinese peacekeeper Liu Jia reflected on the significance of celebrating the Spring Festival while on mission.
"On the first day of the Chinese New Year, we organized a flag-raising ceremony in a foreign land. We feel both deeply honored by our mission and are keenly aware of the responsibility on our shoulders. Although we couldn't have a reunion with our families back at home during the Spring Festival, safeguarding regional peace and bringing glory to our motherland makes this Chinese New Year holiday the most meaningful for us. In the new year, we will firmly keep in mind our mission, live up to our responsibilities, and successfully fulfill all tasks. We wish our motherland prosperity and strength, and we wish all fellow Chinese people a happy Spring Festival," said Liu.
Over the past 19 years, Chinese peacekeeping contingent to the UNIFIL has cleared about 2 million square meters of suspected minefields, discovered and destroyed more than 18,000 landmines and unexplored ordnance, repaired 320 kilometers of roads, and provided medical assistance to more than 90,000 people.
Chinese peacekeepers in Lebanon mark Spring Festival with flag-raising ceremony
Chinese peacekeepers in Lebanon mark Spring Festival with flag-raising ceremony
