Monday 20 / January / 2025
MUSCAT: For the first time in 15 months, Palestinians in Gaza woke up without the ominous sounds of airstrikes or the urgent need to seek shelter.
The fragile peace ushered in by a ceasefire deal on Sunday has brought both relief and heartbreak to many, including Palestinians in Oman who remain deeply connected to their families and homeland.
In an exclusive interview with Times of Oman on Monday, Seema Basher, a mother of three and an Omani woman married to a Palestinian, shared her harrowing experiences during the Gaza conflict.
Having lived in Gaza for 13 years, Seema offered a poignant perspective on the war’s toll on lives and livelihoods.
“The feeling is mixed,” she said. “Joy that the crisis is over, and sadness for what we lost - family, friends, and homes. But this is the price of freedom. We consider them martyrs in the sight of God.”
Seema’s family faced immense challenges during the war. “We lived in the Al Rimal neighbourhood in Gaza, and our house was destroyed on the very third day of the war. We were forced to move from one house to another before coming to Oman,” she recalled.
The destruction left deep scars, not only on the land but also on the hearts of those displaced.
“The destruction and devastation has affected all our family homes, some of which remain under occupation in the Netzarim area. All the family members are now in southern Gaza, feeling relief and happiness that the aggression has ended, but they cannot reach their homes in the northern sector,” added Seema.
She described the constant fear and trauma endured by the people of Gaza.
“The situation in Gaza affects everyone, whether they are inside or outside. Imagine our people who lived for months under fear and destruction, the sound of drones and fighter jets never leaving them. The feeling after the bombing stops is like taking a breath after a long drowning, but the pain remains great and the memories are very difficult.”
Seema reflected on the resilience of Gazans amidst the devastation.
“The people there don’t just talk about the calm; they talk about what they lost - their homes that are gone, their neighbours who became part of the soil. Despite all this, we have the stubborn ability to hold on to hope,” she said.
Seema’s story is one of many that exemplify the enduring strength of the Palestinian people.
Another Palestinian expat living in Oman, said that he was overwhelmed with emotion after watched videos of celebrations in the streets. “My family is on the streets celebrating their newfound freedom and the release of prisoners as part of the ceasefire deal,” he said.
Manal Awad, a Palestinian living in Oman said: “I am from Gaza, but my roots trace back to Al Majdal, a city that has been under occupation since the Nakba of 1948.”
“My grandparents were forced to leave their homeland and migrate to northern Gaza, abandoning their lands and homes. To this day, we still hold the deeds to those properties.”
When the recent war broke out, her family was forced to flee once again. “We had to move to southern Gaza, fearing for our lives, especially the safety of our children. We left behind everything once more, hoping to escape the horrors you’ve heard about.”
She added: “Sadly, like many others, we lost some of our relatives. May God have mercy on their souls, forgive them, and grant them martyrdom. We also lost our homes, which were reduced to rubble and debris. My house, where I had planned to live with my husband after completing my studies in Oman, is gone - along with the dreams of returning to my country. But we take solace in the fact that we did not lose our family members.”
Despite the immense sorrow we have experienced, there is a sense of bittersweet relief following the ceasefire. “We were relieved when the ceasefire was finally declared, knowing that our loved ones were safe after over a year of fear and uncertainty. But personally, I don’t consider this a victory. No one truly wins in a genocide. Still, we thank God it’s over, and now aid can reach our people in abundance.”
Looking ahead on the future of Gaza, there is a sense of determination in her voice. Manal said: “We will rebuild it, God willing, and restore life to this country as it once was.’”
She also expressed gratitude for the support of the Omani people. “All love to the supportive people of Oman.”.
Rebuilding their lives
Despite the overwhelming losses, their unity and resilience continue to fuel hope as they rebuild their lives.
For Palestinians in Oman, staying connected with their families in Gaza serves as both a source of comfort and a reminder of the struggles yet to be overcome.
