What freedom feels like after Gaza
What freedom feels like after Gaza Submitted by Lubna Masarwa on Thu, 08/06/2026 - 18:40 In London, I meet two Palestinian friends who survived the genocide. Hanging over us is the same bewilderment at a world that appears normal yet has also normalised the hell we left Palestinians wait to leave Gaza for Egypt via the Rafah crossing, in Khan Younis on 19 March 2026 (Bashar Taleb/AFP) Off "I…
In London, the author encounters two Palestinian survivors, Omar and Saleem, who escaped the atrocities of Gaza. The weight of bewilderment hangs over them, as they see a world that appears normal yet has normalized the horrors they left behind. Omar couldn't take anything with him when he fled Gaza, but he brought a traditional Irish home blessing from Dublin.
Despite their joy in freedom, the same cloud of uncertainty lingers over them, questioning if anyone would harm or arrest them at airports due to their refugee status. Saleem, too, hides his refugee passport until the last moment, fearing the treatment he would receive from officials. The author hears of the ongoing struggles in Palestine, including the closure of roads and checkpoints, preventing Palestinians from moving freely.
They also discuss the recent night raids in the West Bank, which have left families like Naheel's in constant fear. The author's presence in London leads them to question the normalization of violence and the lack of attention given to the Palestinian situation, even amidst the ceasefire.
Written by urgent.news from Middle East Eye's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
