The devastating war in Gaza, which ravaged the Strip for 471 days, has left countless scars on its people. While the conflict may have ended, the suffering persists, especially for those stranded outside the territory. Gazans who left for medical treatment or other necessities found themselves separated from their families and unable to return during the war, enduring new forms of hardship far from home.

Displaced families in Egypt face dire living conditions. Temporary shelters lack basic necessities like clean water, electricity, and healthcare. Women and children are particularly vulnerable, battling malnutrition, poor hygiene, and illnesses. Many mothers, like Susan and Suzy, recount their anguish at being separated from their children in Gaza while struggling to survive in Egypt. For Suzy, the heartache of leaving her children behind, including a sick child, is compounded by the knowledge of their hardships in her absence.

The humanitarian crisis is further exacerbated by limited aid. Despite efforts by charitable organizations, the support provided is insufficient to address the overwhelming needs of the displaced. Families live in uncertainty, with no clear plans for their return or sustainable solutions to ensure their dignity and safety. Volunteers and local officials stress the urgent need for international intervention to prevent an even greater catastrophe.

Calls for action have intensified, with human rights organizations urging the global community to provide immediate humanitarian aid and develop a strategy for the safe return of refugees. The suffering of those stranded is a stark reminder of the war's far-reaching consequences, as thousands wait in limbo, torn between displacement and their longing to reunite with loved ones.

The Rafah border crossing, once a vital lifeline, remains a symbol of their plight. Its closure during the conflict not only trapped patients and wounded individuals within Gaza but also stranded thousands outside, deepening the humanitarian crisis. For these displaced Palestinians, the hope of returning home remains a distant dream, overshadowed by the challenges of survival in exile.