Gaza's Airport and Presidential Visit: A Step Towards Statehood

The inauguration of the Gaza International Airport in 1998 symbolized hope for Palestinians in their pursuit of statehood. However, the rise of Hamas, the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in 2005, and subsequent conflicts have dashed those hopes. The airport, once seen as a gateway to the world, was shut down in 2001 and now lies in ruins. Palestinian journalist Taghreed El-Khodary, who witnessed these events, now lives in Amsterdam but worries about her family and friends who remain in Gaza.