Gaza: ‘She survived the bombing, but not the blockade’

After two years of bombardment and forced displacement during Israel’s genocide in Gaza, Suhaila al-Mabhouh had one wish: to go home. The 60-year-old Palestinian longed so desperately to return to her family home in northern Gaza that she turned down an evacuation offer to Italy, submitted by her daughter, who lives there. When the so-called ceasefire took effect on 10 October 2025, she and her husband rushed back to their home in Jabalia refugee camp. She began making small repairs to the badly damaged house, hoping to piece her life back together after two years of bombardment. But the hope of rebuilding was short-lived, as Israel maintained its siege and continued its daily bombardment. Read more: Gaza: ‘She survived the bombing, but not the blockade’