The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip has opened temporarily to allow a limited number of critically wounded individuals and foreign nationals to exit. However, the ongoing bombing campaign by Israel has left many families trapped in the blockaded enclave. Fady Abukhousa, an Australian citizen, traveled to Gaza with his wife Amani and their two children, Mohammed and Yazan, to visit family. He returned to Sydney in September, leaving his wife and children behind. Now, they are unable to leave Gaza, along with other family members who are not Australian citizens.
Abukhousa has been desperately trying to reach his family since learning about the opening of the border crossing. However, due to a communications blackout imposed by Israel, he has not been able to confirm if his family received the news. The situation reflects the challenges faced by individuals trying to escape Gaza amidst the ongoing bombardment following Hamas’s attack on southern Israel.
Nadia Eldin, a resident of Khan Younis, also shares the desperation of Abukhousa. Although she is not a dual citizen or foreign national, her daughter Lama is a Bulgarian citizen. Despite being on the Gaza Borders and Crossings Authority’s list, Lama did not receive a call instructing her to head to the Rafah border. Eldin received a call from friends in Ramallah instead, urging them to make the journey. However, they lack a car and fear for their safety along the way.
The uncertainty surrounding the need for Egyptian visas for those hoping to cross at Rafah adds to the confusion. Amena Nasrate, an Australian citizen studying in Cairo, is taking no chances. She plans to visit her country’s embassy to secure visas for her mother and grandmother in Gaza. Nasrate’s father, also an Australian citizen, remains in Gaza. The worsening situation has left her frantic to bring her family to safety.
Four other dual nationals on the Gaza Borders and Crossings Authority’s list shared their experiences. Two individuals, with dual nationalities from Japan and Indonesia, respectively, did not receive any communication from their embassies or authorities. Samira Ismail Abusharkh, with dual nationality in Austria, received a call from the Austrian embassy but was not provided with transportation information. Another man, whose children hold Japanese nationality, was instructed by the Japanese embassy to head to the Rafah crossing. However, ongoing airstrikes have made it impossible for them to find a safe passage.
Meanwhile, Fady Abukhousa, waiting anxiously in Sydney, expressed shock at the rapid escalation of the conflict and the devastation it has caused. He emphasized the harshness of the situation and the urgent need for his family’s safe return.
As the border crossing temporarily opens, families continue to face uncertainty and danger in their attempts to escape Gaza. The ongoing bombing campaign and communication blackout have further complicated the situation, leaving many desperate for a way out. International efforts and support are needed to ensure the safe evacuation of those trapped in the besieged enclave.
