Elderly Palestinians determined to stay in Gaza despite terrible conditions

Chronic displacement and trauma burden Gaza’s elderly, but they cling to their homeland as an act of defiance.

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The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt has finally partially opened this week after two years of Israeli-mandated closure. The news offers relief for many – particularly those Palestinians in urgent need of treatment abroad.

But for many elderly Palestinians in Gaza, staying in the enclave is an act of survival, resistance, and historical memory. Rafah may be open, but they are not planning to go anywhere.

Elderly Palestinians determined to stay in Gaza despite terrible conditions

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