A photograph and a children’s toy.

These were the only two things Hamdi Mustafa Shoshaa managed to retrieve from his home in northern Gaza after he returned for the first time since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war.

Hamdi, a 38-year-old artist from Gaza City, is one of the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who have returned to their native homeland hoping to rebuild their lives after months of fighting.

It follows the ceasefire deal that was announced by former US President Joe Biden in January, just five days before he left office.

But the deal could collapse this weekend after Hamas said it would stop releasing Israeli hostages, claiming Israel was violating the conditions.

According to the United Nations, more than 462,000 people have crossed from the south to the north in the last three weeks.

In exclusive footage given to Metro, Hamdi has revealed what it has been like returning back to his home for the first time since the war began.

Standing on a pile of rubble which used to be his home, he shows a sweet photograph of himself and his wife, Shorouq, on their wedding day.

Hamdi is seen in a smart navy suit, light blue shirt, blue tie and blue pocket square, while Shorouq is wearing a white gown and veil, her hand delicately placed on her new husband’s chest.

Joining Hamdi in his return to Gaza were his brothers-in-law, Omar Ahmed Sourani, 27, and Mohamed Ahmed Sourani, 21.

He said the journey, which took him three hours by foot, felt like a ‘religious pilgrimage.’

But despite his excitement in returning home, what awaited him in the Sudanese district north of Gaza City was way beyond anything he could have ever imagined.

He told Metro: ‘I knew that my house was destroyed, but the scene was beyond my ability to imagine, and at that moment feelings that I had never encountered before were mixed together.  

‘Everything had become like a torn garment, and nothing remained for me and my neighbours except scattered memories here and there.  

‘Despite how small and simple, I treated them as a precious treasure that bears witness to my life and the life of my small family.

‘The [wedding] picture brings me [closer] together with my wife, Shorouq.

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‘I embraced my memories at that moment, but the questions and the great burden grew in my mind about what form our life would take [now].’  

Hamdi and his family were displaced in the early months of the war. Similarly to thousands of other Gazans, they have since moved to the southern city of Khan Younis, a largely-destroyed metropolis near the border with Egypt.

For his return to Gaza, he left his wife Shorouq, 30, and their three daughters Ghada, six, Bana, five, and Salma, two, behind to keep them safe.

Driven by what he described as ‘indescribable longing,’ he marched toward Gaza City shortly after the ceasefire announcement was made on January 15.  

Recalling the journey, the father-of-three said everyone – ‘young and old, women and men’ – chanted ‘Come on, walk with us to Palestine’ and ‘My country, Gaza, O Gaza, land of glory and land of pride.’

‘The majestic moment when my body was freed from all forms of fatigue and my soul rejoiced with joy was when my feet stepped into the neighbourhood that I had carried in my memory for 15 months of war,’ he said.

After collecting the toy and wedding photograph, Hamdi has since returned to Khan Younis to reunite with his wife and children and is still figuring out his next steps.

During his time in the southern city, he has delivered art workshops for youngsters, funded by Christian Aid charity and run by the Palestinian Culture and Free Thought Association, to give them even a brief distraction from the constant missile strikes.

Before the war broke out, he worked in manufacturing.

Hamdi, who lost all his livelihood during the war, added: ‘I do not know if there is [the possibility] to start over with my project Tezzkar, which is a project specialised in manufacturing souvenirs and heritage items in a city where everyone’s priority is to search for a living.  

‘However, I pin some hopes on marketing my creative works through cyberspace to the outside world and to supporters and those interested in Palestinian affairs who flock to the Gaza Strip.

‘I do not know if that will be enough to take off my professional life again.’ 

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As parents, we all want the best for our children—especially when it comes to their education.

But with so many options out there, choosing the right resources to spark their curiosity and build their skills can feel like a daunting task.

Fear not! Checklist has put together a list of ten standout education brands that are not only making learning fun but are also committed to helping your child reach their full potential.

Support their studies with Easter revision courses

Looking to give your child a boost before their exams? MPW’s Easter Revision courses are the perfect way to prepare for A Level and GCSE success.

With over 35 years of expertise, MPW offers a focused, effective revision programme that’s built around small, Oxbridge-style tutorial groups. This means more personal attention and targeted support for your child’s needs.

Whether your child is tackling past papers or deepening their understanding of tricky topics, the courses are designed to give them the edge.

With classes limited to just nine students (an average of six), your child will benefit from tailored guidance from highly qualified tutors, many of whom are trained A Level examiners. Running from March 31st to April 25th, 2025, these courses are available at MPW’s London, Birmingham, and Cambridge campuses.

The info: Click here to find out more.

Learning without limits in Westminster

Who says education has an expiry date? At Westminster Adult Education Service (WAES), it’s never too late to hit the books and launch a new career—especially in London’s buzzing green and tech sectors.

Fancy becoming a retrofit advisor or a domestic energy whiz? Or perhaps cyber security, app development, or cloud computing is more your vibe. With full-time and part-time courses tailored for busy adults, WAES has you covered.

Not a techie? No problem! From AAT accounting to marketing, childcare to hairdressing, media makeup to creative arts (accredited by UAL, no less), there’s a course with your name on it. With three sleek centres in Westminster, near handy transport hubs, getting there is a breeze.

Awarded London’s Distinguished Provider of Adult Education in 2024, WAES also offers funded courses for eligible learners. Make this your year to turn your ‘what if’s into ‘what’s next!’.

The info: Click here to find out more and apply for a course.

Embrace an international approach to education

Nestled beside the scenic Gunnersbury Park, ISL (International School of London) is where global minds come together to thrive.

Catering to boys and girls aged 3 to 18 from over 50 countries, ISL offers the world-renowned International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, nurturing curious, self-motivated learners. With a vibrant home language programme spanning 24 languages, students celebrate their cultural roots while embracing a wonderfully diverse, inclusive community.

At the heart of ISL is the Diploma College—think of it as sixth form with an international flair—where students pursue the IB Diploma, a passport to top universities in London, the US, Japan, and Europe. Impressively, around 60 per cent achieve a bilingual diploma!

What truly sets ISL apart is its warm, close-knit environment and expert IB teachers dedicated to helping students become responsible global citizens. For families seeking innovative, modern education, ISL is a perfect fit.

The info: Click here to find out more.

Exceptional opportunities for every pupil

Nestled amidst 150 acres of stunning West Oxfordshire parkland, just a stone’s throw from vibrant Oxford, Cokethorpe School offers more than just an education—it offers an adventure.

Catering to boys and girls aged four to eighteen, this co-educational haven champions a liberal educational ethos, blending academic ambition with a heartfelt focus on individual potential.

Creativity flourishes here, thanks to initiatives like the Music Instrumental Scheme, giving every pupil in two-year groups free individual music tuition for half the year—because who doesn’t love a budding Beethoven? As a proud Microsoft Showcase School, Cokethorpe also embraces cutting-edge tech to enhance learning both in and out of the classroom.

With the inspiring Dr Sarah Squire set to take the helm in September 2025, following Damian Ettinger’s remarkable 23-year tenure, Cokethorpe’s future looks as bright as its beautiful Cotswold skies.

The info: Click here to find out more.

World-first course in piano for theatre

Looking to hit the right notes in your child’s future? Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts is striking a chord with a world-first degree that’s music to any aspiring pianist’s ears!

The BMus Piano for Theatre is a unique, three-year vocational course designed for budding theatre pianists who dream of taking centre stage—or, at least, centre pit.

With excellent musical theatre pianists and keyboard players in high demand, this course offers top-tier training in piano technique, musicianship, arranging, and conducting. Students gain real-world performance experience through show roles and dynamic collaborations with Mountview’s Musical Theatre students.

Nestled in South London, Mountview’s state-of-the-art facilities and industry connections create the perfect launchpad for a dazzling career. Ready to turn practice into performance? Mountview might just be the key to unlocking your child’s musical future!

The info: Click here to apply now.

A school for aspiring filmmakers

Lights, camera, action! At London Screen Academy (LSA), the future of film and TV is in the making—and it could start with your child. This free sixth-form college in Islington welcomes 16-19-year-olds with big dreams and even bigger ideas, offering a unique launchpad into the screen industries.

LSA isn’t just about film; it’s about fostering diverse voices and creating stories that can change the world.

Students dive into a hands-on curriculum, earning an Extended Diploma in Creative Practice accredited by the University of the Arts London, plus the option to study A Levels in English or Maths.

With industry-standard equipment, state-of-the-art facilities, and an OFSTED Outstanding rating, LSA equips young creatives with practical skills, from leadership to collaboration, setting them up for success in work or higher education.

The info: Click here to find out more.

Equity and empowerment for all students

Since 1996, Nisai Learning has been breaking barriers in inclusive education, championing equity, diversity, and empowerment for all students.

At the heart of their mission is the Nisai Virtual Academy (NVA)—a fully online school delivering British and International curricula to students aged 11-18, and up to 25 for those with an EHCP. Their approach? Personalised, flexible learning tailored to each student’s needs, supplemented with virtual and in-person mentor support for those with more complex needs

Nisai leverages cutting-edge technology and in-house designed platforms to create secure, high-quality educational experiences. Their assistive tech enhances reading and writing skills, while real-time reports keep parents in the loop.

With small class sizes, live lessons, and dedicated support staff, Nisai ensures no student is left behind. Recognised as the only Section 41 approved online provider by the UK Department for Education and an IQM ‘Centre of Excellence’, Nisai is transforming education, one learner at a time.

The info: Click here to find out more.

Unlocking bright futures with quality tutoring

When it comes to giving your child the ultimate head start, Pillai Tutors is a name parents across London trust. Founded by the inspiring Mrs Manju Pillai, this powerhouse team has helped over 2,000 students secure places in the capital’s top Grammar and independent schools.

Specialising in 11+ entrance exams for Year 1 to Year 13, they don’t just prepare kids—they nurture them. Their secret? A student-first approach that reduces stress while boosting confidence, so children thrive, not just survive, through the 11+ journey.

And the story doesn’t end there—many students return for GCSE tutoring, drawn back by the supportive environment and outstanding success rates. With over 600 bright young minds currently in their classes, Pillai Tutors isn’t just about exams. It’s about inspiring lifelong learners.

The info: Click here to find out more and make an enquiry.

Further education for school leavers

Looking for a college that truly sets students up for success? Enter New City College (NCC) — one of the UK’s largest and most successful further education groups with campuses across East London and Essex.

Boasting sky-high achievement rates, NCC has seen a remarkable surge in top A-Level grades (A*-B) and offers an unbeatable range of courses, from A Levels and vocational qualifications to apprenticeships and T Levels.

But it’s not just about grades; over 90 per cent of students say the best thing about NCC is the award-winning teachers who go above and beyond. Students thrive with expert support, fantastic progression to top universities, and industry-standard facilities, including brand-new immersive video labs with cutting-edge VR tech.

Plus, NCC’s strong employer links mean valuable work experience often leads to job offers. Add in personalised pastoral support, enriching activities, and international trips, and it’s clear that NCC isn’t just a college; it’s a launchpad for future success.

The info: Click here to make an application today.

Big futures for little explorers

With over 40 years of experience, Busy Bees isn’t just the UK’s largest childcare provider—it’s a hive of learning, discovery, and fun!

Their exclusive Bee Curious curriculum, the UK’s first and only independently evaluated early years curriculum independently evaluated by the Open University, is designed to give children a head start in school and life. Crafted by education experts, it blends the latest child development research with global best practices.

At Busy Bees’ 320 nurseries across the UK highly trained teams deliver playful teaching that feeds every child’s natural curiosity. From stimulating, home-from-home environments to NHS-accredited meals prepared fresh on-site, every detail supports your child’s growth and development.

Plus, with 98 per cent of centres rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, parents can rest easy knowing their little ones are getting the very best start in life.

The info: Click here to learn more and find your nearest centre.

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