In Gaza, the residents had owned olive trees, flower gardens, factories, stores, and homes that they had cared for over many years. These places held memories in family photos, knickknacks, and embroidered shawls. They had access to cars, classes, and the beach just minutes away.
Now, in Cairo, where thousands of Palestinians have sought refuge, they find themselves in rented apartments surrounded by concrete. Job opportunities are scarce, savings are dwindling, and there are no schools for their children. This new reality, while safe, feels far from a promising future.
Stranded without legal status in Egypt and unsure of when Gaza will return to normalcy, many feel stuck. They cannot build new lives, seek refuge in another country, or plan to return home. Physically in Egypt, mentally, they long for the Gaza that no longer exists.
“We feel like this is just a temporary phase in our lives,” said Nahla al-Bashti, who arrived in Egypt from Gaza with her family in December. Struggling to make ends meet, she has started selling Palestinian foods from her tiny rented kitchen, missing the fruit trees from her old home.
“We want our real lives back,” she expressed. “I feel suffocated.”
The uncertainty of their current situation raises questions about the future. Egypt is a precarious place for Gazans, as it has been part of the blockade alongside Israel for 17 years. While Egypt has provided humanitarian aid during the war, they are hesitant to welcome large numbers of Palestinian refugees due to concerns about national security and the potential impact on a future Palestinian state.
Despite the challenges, many Gazans have managed to cross into Egypt, seeking safety and stability. However, their legal status remains uncertain, limiting their ability to access basic services, open businesses, or enroll their children in schools. The lack of clarity on their future further adds to their emotional distress.
The Palestinians in Egypt grapple with the decision to stay or return to Gaza. The prospects of rebuilding their lives in Gaza seem daunting, with concerns about access to basic necessities and the wellbeing of their children. Some consider seeking stability in other countries, but the process of obtaining visas remains a challenge.
For Shereen Sabbah, Egypt may be safe, but it will never feel like home. “Home is Gaza to me,” she said, reflecting the deep emotional attachment to their homeland despite the challenges they face in their current situation.