Since the start of the Iron Swords war, over 115,000 Gaza residents have crossed the border into Egypt. Some of these individuals came to Egypt as wounded individuals seeking medical care, while many others arrived as tourists. An Egyptian company called Hala Consulting and Tourism, with ties to Egyptian security services, has been facilitating the arrival of these tourists, who pay hefty fees to leave the Gaza Strip.
After their initial 45-day tourist visa expires, many of these “tourists” become illegal immigrants in Egypt without access to education or healthcare services. The Palestinian refugee aid agency UNRWA is unable to assist them as Egypt does not recognize its mandate over Palestinians in Egyptian territory. This has created a complex situation for these individuals who find themselves stuck in an unfamiliar country without proper legal status or support.
The influx of Gaza residents into Egypt has raised concerns about their legal status and well-being. The exploitation by companies like Hala Consulting and Tourism and the lack of recognition of their refugee status by Egyptian authorities have left many in a precarious situation. The international community may need to address this issue to ensure the safety and security of these displaced individuals in Egypt.