Gaza displaced wait overseas for return amid ongoing conflict
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IN SHORT
More than 100,000 Gazans who left the enclave since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel remain stranded overseas, mourning lost relatives and destroyed homes. Omar al-Hassayna, who fled to Cairo after an Israeli airstrike killed 308 of his relatives, including his wife and children, is among them, waiting for stability and reconstruction to return to Gaza.
Key Numbers
100,000+Gazans stranded overseas
308Hassayna's relatives killed in one strike
7,000Palestinians returned to Gaza
60%Gaza territory controlled by Israeli forces
Who's Involved
Omar al-Hassayna
Gazan displaced in Cairo awaiting return to homeland
Palestinian Authority
Figures on Gazans stranded overseas
Israeli military
Did not respond to request for comment on Nov. 22 strike
↳ Why This Matters
The ongoing displacement and lack of reconstruction in Gaza highlight the severe humanitarian crisis and the stalled peace process, impacting the lives of tens of thousands of Palestinians and their prospects for return.
Key facts
Over 100,000 Gazans who left the enclave since Oct. 7, 2023, remain stranded overseas.
An Israeli airstrike on Nov. 22, 2023, killed 308 of Omar al-Hassayna's relatives.
Hassayna's wife, four adult sons, and four grandchildren were among those killed.
About 7,000 Palestinians have returned to Gaza.
Israeli forces control over 60% of Gaza, with Hamas controlling most of the inhabited areas.
More than 100,000 Gazans who fled the enclave following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, remain stranded overseas, mourning lost relatives and destroyed homes. Omar al-Hassayna, who relocated to Cairo after an Israeli airstrike on November 22, 2023, killed 308 of his relatives, including his wife and children, is among those waiting for stability and reconstruction to return to Gaza.
Al-Hassayna expressed his longing to return to a stable Gaza and contribute positively to his country. However, nearly a year after a ceasefire intended to initiate reconstruction and a political process, little has changed. Israeli forces continue to occupy over 60% of the territory, conducting near-daily airstrikes, while Hamas maintains control over Palestinian-inhabited areas. Aid agencies report inadequate supplies and no immediate prospects for reconstruction.
Al-Hassayna's family suffered immense loss, with 112 bodies recovered from the rubble in August, including his wife, sons, and grandchildren. He currently supports himself in Cairo by selling some of his surviving firefighting equipment business goods. While all departures from Gaza were vetted by Israel and Egypt, many find returning difficult. Some Israeli politicians advocate for encouraging displacement and preventing returns, though Al-Hassayna believes Egypt will resist widespread displacement. He stated that a widespread return is unlikely until Gaza's future prospects become clearer, contingent on an international agreement and the commencement of reconstruction.
Frequently asked questions
According to Palestinian Authority figures, more than 100,000 Gazans who left the enclave since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel remain stranded overseas.
An Israeli airstrike destroyed a cluster of Gaza City apartment buildings where 308 members of Omar al-Hassayna's extended family had gathered for shelter.
Israeli forces still hold more than 60% of the territory and conduct almost daily airstrikes, while Hamas controls most of the inhabited areas. Aid agencies report inadequate aid supplies and no immediate prospects for reconstruction.
What Happens Next
01Hassayna awaits clearer prospects for Gaza's future and the start of reconstruction before considering a return.
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How It Developed
An Israeli airstrike on November 22, 2023, killed 308 members of Omar al-Hassayna's extended family in Gaza City.
In August, Hassayna watched relatives bury 112 family members whose bodies had been recovered from rubble, with dozens still missing.
