The map of Gaza highlights every red square to indicate buildings that may have suffered damage or destruction during the Israel-Gaza conflict since October 7.
Gaza Family Seeks Asylum Amidst Devastation
Approximately five months into the conflict, satellite data reveals that over half of the structures in Gaza are now in ruins, with Gaza City bearing the brunt of the destruction. Beneath the rubble lies the untold human stories of individuals like Jumana and her family.
Jumana, a 19-year-old resident of Gaza City, known affectionately as JoJo, has been sharing her harrowing journey with ABC as she navigates the chaos in Gaza. Fleeing her home due to escalating violence, she now finds herself in a precarious situation, striving to escape to safety amidst the looming threat of a ground invasion.
A Race Against Time
With bombings edging closer each day, Jumana and her family, displaced multiple times and having lost numerous loved ones, are clinging to hope for a chance at a new life in Australia. Despite facing visa challenges and bureaucratic hurdles, they persevere, determined to leave the war-torn region behind.
Stranded near the Egyptian border, Jumana’s family grapples with the harsh reality of daily survival in a ravaged Gaza. Their relentless efforts to secure passage out of the conflict zone underscore the desperation and resilience of countless families enduring similar hardships.
A Heartbreaking Journey to Safety
Reflecting on the events leading up to their displacement, Jumana recounts the fateful day when violence erupted, propelling her family into a whirlwind of chaos and uncertainty. Forced to abandon their home and belongings, they embarked on a perilous quest for refuge, navigating treacherous paths and witnessing the devastation wrought by relentless bombings.
From seeking shelter in makeshift tents to enduring the bitter cold and scarcity of resources, Jumana’s family’s odyssey through Gaza epitomizes the resilience and fortitude of those caught in the crossfire of conflict. Their unwavering determination to secure a future free from fear and turmoil serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war.
Gaza Family Seeks Asylum with Hala Consulting and Tourism
In a bid to navigate the tightly-controlled border between Gaza and Egypt, Jumana and her family have turned to the services of the Hala Consulting and Tourism company.
Owned by a prominent Egyptian businessman with connections to Egypt’s security services, as uncovered by investigative reporters from the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project, Hala has become the family’s lifeline.
With a steep price tag of $5,000 per person, a significant increase from $1,200 just a few months ago, the family secures two crucial services from Hala.
These services include ensuring the family’s names are on Egypt’s approved entry list from Gaza and arranging transportation from the border to Cairo.
Departure approval hinges on clearance from both Israeli and Egyptian authorities, adding layers of complexity to the process.
Each night, the roster of approved names is shared on social media platforms like Facebook and Telegram, setting the stage for the next day’s 7 am border crossing initiation.
The Rafah border crossing, where Jumana and her family are currently staying, has become a place of constant anticipation and anxiety for them. Jumana mentions that they check the list hourly, unable to sleep due to the nervousness of hoping their names will be called soon.
Despite the payment made by families like Jumana’s, there is no assurance of being able to leave Gaza. Those attempting to cross are required to sign a document acknowledging that they won’t receive a refund if their exit is unsuccessful. Ultimately, the decision on who can leave Gaza lies with Israel, which oversees security at the crossing.
To gather the necessary funds for the family’s border fee, Jumana turned to social media to share their story, connecting with people globally. Through the support of newfound friends in Australia, a GoFundMe page was set up, raising over $70,000 to cover the border fee and initial living costs due to visa work restrictions.
With the raised funds, the family has managed to pay the border fee and secure their names on the crossing list. Jumana expresses gratitude for the overwhelming support her family has received from strangers worldwide, bringing a sense of hope during challenging times.
The family’s aspiration is to reach Australia before the March 2 deadline to maintain their temporary visas. However, delays in the exit process from Gaza caused them to miss the cutoff date. Despite the Australian government granting visas to individuals with Palestinian citizenship, only a few have been able to travel to Australia in recent times, as indicated by social media lists.
The Department of Home Affairs stated that there are no provisions to extend visas for individuals in Gaza. Those whose visas have expired before travel must reapply for a new visa to enter Australia, according to a DHA spokesperson.
The family’s plan to spend Ramadan with their uncle in Australia remains uncertain as they navigate the uncertainties of their current situation. With the looming threat of a ground invasion, Jumana expresses fear and anxiety about their safety.
In moments of heightened danger, Jumana reaches out to the ABC, seeking forgiveness through texts, a customary practice for Muslim Palestinians facing imminent peril. Their bags are packed, waiting by the door, as they anxiously monitor the lists for any updates on their departure.
Jumana’s plea is simple yet poignant: “We are frightened. If we don’t survive, please share our story with the world.”
