"We Will Defend Our Right to Our Homeland," Gaza Residents' Struggle Vow on Land Day

"We Will Defend Our Right to Our Homeland," Gaza Residents' Struggle Vow on Land Day

Gaza, March 30, 2025: On the occasion of the Sacred Land Day, a resident of the Shujaiya neighborhood, who has long been at risk of displacement, shared his story. His family has lived in Shujaiya for centuries, and they have a deep connection to the area’s history and culture.

He said, "As children, we always sang songs for our country, and we were taught our culture and traditions, which are deeply connected to our land. On March 30, we would celebrate Land Day. On this day, the girls would wear traditional dresses, and the boys would wear white shirts and keffiyehs. Under our raised Palestinian flag, we would recall the struggles we faced."

He mentioned that Shujaiya is an ancient area, once home to farmers and merchants. It is a densely populated area in Gaza with a strong history of community ties and resistance. "Our family has lived here for centuries, building homes in this area, making Shujaiya a long-established road," he said.

He also noted, "Not only do we have our home, but we also own land. I grew up in my grandfather’s olive grove, which he inherited from his ancestors. The olive trees taught us to love our land and to be as strong as them."

In 2014, his family was forced to flee Shujaiya when Israel launched an attack. "I was very young at the time, but I still remember every moment we had to move. From then on, I knew that we would soon return to our home."

However, nearly 10 years later, the same situation arose again. "Our family has had to leave Shujaiya 10 times, the longest being for three months. But we never went south, we stayed in the north."

In December 2023 and June 2024, Shujaiya endured a second wave of attacks. The second attack was sudden, while residents were still in their homes. "When Israeli tanks reached Shujaiya, they targeted markets, old restaurants, power poles, and water pumps."

"My family’s home was partially destroyed in a bombing, and my grandfather’s land and olive grove were also not spared. The trees, which had stood for centuries, were uprooted and burned."

He added, "The loss of my grandfather’s olive grove was too much for him to bear, and he passed away within just three months."

Today, once again, they face the prospect of displacement. People from the eastern part of Shujaiya are fleeing due to threats from the Israeli army. "We don’t know what will happen. People are afraid but still hope for a ceasefire."

This year, Land Day holds a different meaning. He said, "As long as we haven’t given up the land inherited from our ancestors, we are here, we stand firm, and we will hold onto our land."

On this day, he recalls Dr. Al-Areer’s poetry, which symbolizes love for the land and the struggle for it.