Over the past year, we have witnessed a crisis beyond epic proportions reminiscent of the 1948 Nakba. More than one year later, the attacks on Gaza have killed more than 44,805 Palestinians according to the Ministry of Health,1 though the estimated death toll is now over 200,000.2 Blockades and the crippling siege are preventing over 2.2 million Palestinians from receiving sufficient clean water, food, critical medication, fuel, and other desperately needed humanitarian aid.
Under these conditions, over 100,000 Palestinians living in Gaza fled to Egypt to seek refuge and/or receive urgent medical care before the closing of the Rafah border crossing in June 2024. While there is relief in knowing that they escaped the genocide in Gaza, the reality is that their suffering does not end here.
Our people in Egypt are now suffering from the myriad traumas of their experiences, while they attempt to navigate the daunting challenge of rebuilding their lives on their own. They lack the means and resources to attain their most basic needs, including shelter, medical care, and sustenance. Since they are not officially recognized as “refugees,” they remain in limbo with no legal protection, and thus deprived of any large-scale support usually provided by UN agencies or the like. Many are widowed, orphaned, or unaccompanied, and try daily to maintain contact with their loved ones trapped inside Gaza, not knowing if they will survive to see another day while mourning those that were tragically killed. The psychological toll is unparalleled.
Our people are essentially alone. We must stand with them in Egypt, as we have done in Gaza.
UPA’s immediate focus will be on health including mental health, relief and social services. While looking at immediate needs we will also be exploring means of future stability. As always, our intervention is thoughtful and meaningful, and follows intensive research on existing structures, and an assessment of needs and priorities.
The need is great. The safety net we are building for our people depends upon our work and your support. Help us show them they are not alone. We see them and we stand with them, always, wherever they are. Please support UPA’s Emergency Response in Egypt today.
