AlHudood Interviews the One Gazan with a Surviving Home

The number of Gazans returning home in the aftermath of a 15-month genocide is massive. Despite jubilation at the ceasefire, most still long journeys to devastated homes, reduced by Israel’s collective punishment into rubble. But one house somehow stands apart from the destruction in Khan Younis. Some deem it a miracle; others view the house with suspicion, wondering whether it is the site of an Israeli booby trap. As for its owner…

Well, Alhudood Correspondent Adam Mu’azer arrived on the scene, searching for the owner. The owner, who shall remain anonymous, greeted Mu’azer while hiding from Israeli sniper fire.

Alhudood: How happy were you to find your house still standing?

Happy? Those bastards. They were indiscriminate in their destruction, but they left my home untouched. Even the door looks fine. Can you imagine the talk? What will people say? That I’m not worth the trouble? That I’m an agent? A goddamn sorcerer? This is a game for the Israelis. They’re trying to make people suspicious. It’s shameless! Absolutely shameless! People of Gaza, hear me now! My front door is open to you! And my backdoor! My windows are open, too! 

Alhudood: How are people reacting?

I’ve heard that the government’s thinking of making my house into a symbol of resistance. A group called Save the Buildings asked me to film a song inside it to talk about how the genocide’s been awful for the buildings. UNESCO wanted to make it a world heritage site to try and preserve it, I think.

Alhudood: I heard you were getting a caravan from Qatar. What’s that for?

I’ll put it inside the house and live in it with my wife and kids. Maybe once I’ve got some liquidity in a few years, I’ll fix the house, extend electricity, water, and sewage lines, reinforce the column that prevented it from collapsing, and rebuild the facades, internal walls, and roof. After that, I’ll put the caravan on top of the building so we can use it when things go to hell again.

Alhudood: Would you like to dedicate this victory to anyone?

Uh, sure. My brother-in-law, Abu Osama. He does construction. He made me pay him double what we’d agreed on to support the column.

Al-Hudood: Thank you for your time. We wish you and your family all the best. Hey, where can a guy eat around here?

Head straight towards that rubble hill, and from there turn right towards the first pile of rubble. Pass the broken electricity poles until you find an iron door lying on the ground. There’s a pleasant stall there. A little kid runs it. She's young, but her mum bakes a mean loaf of bread. Apart from that, uh, no.