The Cost of Leaving Gaza
Did you know that leaving Gaza can cost a fortune? According to an investigation by the French newspaper Le Monde, crossing the Rafah crossing - the only way out of Gaza - has become a profitable business for some people. While many want to escape the difficult situation in Gaza, they are burdened with exorbitant prices.
Expensive Exit Permits
Travel agencies and intermediaries are selling exit permits from Gaza to Egypt at incredibly high prices. These permits can cost Palestinians between $4,500 and $10,000, and Egyptians between $650 and $1,200. Some of these intermediaries may not even have the best intentions, leaving people defrauded and without their hard-earned money.
Desperate Measures
Desperate to leave, some people are resorting to extreme measures. They are selling their gold, personal belongings, and even borrowing money from relatives or starting online fundraisers to collect the required amount. Imagine having to pay more than $40,000 just to leave Gaza with your family!
Corruption Allegations
Unfortunately, corruption seems to be involved in this situation. People who can't afford to pay are left behind, while those with money can easily leave. Even Egyptians who hold Palestinian citizenship are being asked for large sums of money to leave Gaza.
A Parallel System
This parallel system of purchasing transit permits to Egypt is not new. Since 2007, the Rafah crossing has been randomly open, and it was almost completely closed after 2013. In 2018, a report by the United Nations noted the existence of a "dual-list" system, which allowed Gazans to obtain transit permits more quickly than others.
Limited Options
According to the official spokesman for the Rafah crossing, this parallel system is currently the only option for exiting Gaza. It allows around 200 Palestinians and Egyptians to cross Rafah daily. The registration process through Hamas has stopped after the war, and the Palestinian side no longer has any relationship with these permits.
It's disheartening to see that leaving Gaza has become a business rather than a basic right. Hopefully, steps will be taken to address this issue and make it easier for people, especially patients, to get out of this difficult situation they are facing.
Source: Le Monde
