## The Plight of Displaced Palestinians in Egypt: A Growing Humanitarian Crisis
As of January 7, 2026, tens of thousands of Palestinians find themselves in a precarious situation in Egypt, caught between the desire to return to gaza and the harsh realities of displacement. This crisis stems from the conflict beginning wiht the Hamas-led attack on Israel on october 7, 2023, and the subsequent closure of the Rafah border crossing, seized by Israel in May 2024 [1].
While a recent truce included an agreement to reopen the border, Israel has since stipulated that the return of Palestinians is contingent on Hamas releasing all captives held in Gaza. This leaves families like the Al Farany family in a heartbreaking limbo. Nine-year-old Islam Al Farany, evacuated to the US with his mother for prosthetic fitting after an Israeli strike, and his mother, Tahrir, are currently unable to return home, separated from Tahrir’s six other children who remain in Gaza [1]. Five of those siblings were also injured in the same strike, with some suffering severe, life-altering injuries [1].
The situation extends beyond individual family tragedies. Many Palestinians who fled Gaza are now facing legal challenges in Egypt. Their temporary visas have expired, leaving them without official legal status, hindering their ability to work, own property, or access education [1]. Egypt’s concern about permanent displacement contributes to these restrictions. Some are now considering migration elsewhere, while others remain, desperately waiting for a resolution that allows them to reunite with loved ones.
Despite the difficulties, some Palestinians are attempting to rebuild their lives. Haneen Farhat,for example,has started a small business selling Palestinian food and offering cooking classes,providing a source of income but not a long-term solution to their displacement [1].
This situation underscores the broader, decades-long struggle for Palestinian statehood and the challenges faced by Palestinians seeking self-determination [2], [3]. The ongoing political limbo and lack of a secure homeland continue to create cycles of displacement and hardship for the Palestinian people.
