Since the start of the war in Gaza, more than 115,000 Gaza residents have crossed into Egypt, according to The Washington Post, citing the Palestinian embassy in Cairo.
While some entered Egypt to receive medical care for war-related injuries, many others arrived as tourists. This influx has been facilitated by Hala Consulting and Tourism, an Egyptian company with alleged ties to Egyptian security services, which reportedly charges hefty fees to help Palestinians leave the Gaza Strip.
Most of these "tourists" become illegal immigrants once their 45-day tourist visas expire, losing access to education and healthcare services. The Palestinian refugee aid agency UNRWA cannot assist them because Egypt does not recognize its mandate over Palestinians on Egyptian territory.
