From War-Torn Gaza to a Legal Grey Area: The Plight of Palestinians in Egypt

Over 115,000 Gaza residents have crossed the border into Egypt since the start of the Iron Swords war, as reported by The Washington Post. Many of these individuals are seeking medical care for injuries sustained in the war zone, while others have come as tourists.

However, many of these “tourists” eventually become illegal immigrants once their 45-day tourist visa expires. This undocumented status means they are not eligible for education and healthcare services in Egypt. Despite this, Hala Consulting and Tourism, an Egyptian company with ties to security services, has been instrumental in facilitating their arrival.

The situation highlights the complexities and difficulties faced by Palestinian residents of Gaza seeking refuge or opportunities in neighboring countries like Egypt. Without access to essential services like education and healthcare, these individuals find themselves in a legal limbo that makes it challenging for them to navigate their new circumstances.

It is also worth noting that the Palestinian refugee aid agency UNRWA is unable to assist them as Egypt does not acknowledge its mandate over Palestinians on Egyptian soil. This adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging situation for these refugees. Ultimately, it is important that neighboring countries like Egypt recognize their responsibility to support and protect Palestinians who are forced to flee their homes due to conflict and violence.