Athar Abu Samra

Athar Abu Samra is a Palestinian writer and translator from Gaza.

Palestinians walk between destroyed buildings in Gaza City, Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

I Thought I Knew Gaza. Then I Went Back. I Thought I Knew Gaza. Then I Went Back.

After nearly three years, I finally returned to my homeland. I wasn’t prepared for what I found.

Jul 23, 2026 / Athar Abu Samra

x