18/02/2026
Just over two years ago, in January 2024, we were forced to flee our home in Khan Younis.
The city was besieged, the bombardment had intensified and the Israeli military was drawing closer. After several desperate attempts, we finally managed to find a truck that could take us out of the area.
Our closest neighbors, the Nofal family, had been preparing to leave with us. But there was no space on the truck. As our vehicle started moving away, we all looked back desperately at our helpless neighbors, whom we tearfully bid farewell.
The next day, we received the news that the Israeli military had established a “safe corridor” for people leaving Khan Younis, and that Awad Nofal, 69, father of seven, had been detained while the family was passing through. The news weighed heavily on our hearts, especially my father’s.
We had lived side by side with the Nofal family in the Khan Younis refugee camp for over 40 years. Our relationship is far deeper than that of old neighbors. It represents a long-forged bond of love, affection and friendship.
Awad – whom I always knew as Ammo (uncle) Awad, a sign of respect – was my father Muhammad’s closest friend. They used to sit together daily in my father’s mini-market, talking and laughing for hours over cups of coffee.
Awad was like a second father to us. I grew up with him coming into our home to install a fan, fix the television or put up shelves. He is a skilled electrician and repairman who never hesitated to offer help or advice to anyone in need.
There is hardly a house in our neighborhood that does not owe something to Awad and his countless favors.
Since his detention, my father has never stopped remembering his friend, constantly expressing concern for his uncertain fate.
“Awad used to love this meal,” he suddenly announced once while eating mulukhiya – a jute mallow stew usually served with rice and chicken – before quietly asking: “I wonder, dear Awad, where are you now?”
(📸 Photo courtesy of the family)
Excerpt from "Detained but disappeared" by Deema Fayyad. Read the full article at: https://electronicintifada.net/content/detained-disappeared/51160
