The price of freedom: The company making millions from Gaza's misery

[Social Media]

The Human Toll of Escaping Gaza: Profiting from Desperation

 

In the midst of conflict and despair in Gaza, a stark reality emerges: the cost of freedom has become exorbitantly high for many Palestinians seeking to escape the violence and uncertainty gripping their homeland. At the heart of this dire situation lies an Egyptian company, Hala, which has positioned itself as the sole option for families desperate to flee the besieged Gaza Strip. Sky News investigation sheds light on the plight of these families and the exploitative practices of the company profiting from their misery.

 

 

For Amani* and her five children, life in Gaza has become a daily struggle for survival. Forced to live in a tent in the crowded city of Rafah, Amani shares tales of constant bombings and terror, leaving her children traumatized and fearful. Across the border, in Egypt, her husband Mahmoud* endeavors to secure their escape through the Rafah crossing. But the journey to safety comes at an exorbitant price—a price they cannot afford.

 

 

The only route out of Gaza for many Palestinians is through coordination—a system where families pay hefty sums to secure permission to leave. Previously, several companies facilitated this process, offering a glimmer of hope to those seeking refuge. However, since the outbreak of war, Hala has emerged as the sole provider of coordination services, effectively monopolizing the market. What was once an option for a few hundred dollars has now ballooned to a staggering $5,000 per adult—a fourteen-fold increase that has left many families trapped in a cycle of despair.

 

 

The astronomical rise in prices has forced families like Amani's to confront an impossible choice: pay a ransom for their freedom or remain trapped in a war zone. Former coordination agents speak out against Hala's predatory practices, refusing to be complicit in what they describe as extortion. Yet, with limited alternatives and mounting desperation, many Palestinians have no choice but to succumb to Hala's exorbitant demands.

 

 

Hala's modus operandi is shrouded in secrecy, leaving little trace of its operations. Payment is made in cash, without any receipts or official documentation. Price lists are circulated informally through social media channels, with no official confirmation from the company. Despite its opaque practices, Hala's influence looms large, with the majority of Palestinians seeking exit permits relying solely on its services.

 

The sheer volume of travelers processed by Hala raises questions about its ties to Egyptian authorities and the scrutiny imposed on those seeking to leave Gaza. While Egypt officially restricts exit permits to foreign nationals and medical evacuees, Hala's dominance suggests a level of complicity that cannot be ignored. The lack of transparency surrounding Hala's operations underscores the need for greater accountability and oversight.

 

 

Meanwhile, families like Hend and Ahmed, who have resettled in Wales, find themselves caught in a desperate race against time. Separated from their loved ones in Gaza, they navigate the complex web of fundraising platforms, hoping to secure enough funds to reunite their families. The exorbitant costs associated with coordination render their efforts futile, leaving them grappling with the anguish of separation and uncertainty.

 

As the conflict in Gaza rages on, the toll on its residents grows ever heavier. With thousands dead and half the population displaced, the need for immediate action is undeniable. Calls for international intervention fall on deaf ears as political interests take precedence over human suffering. In the face of such adversity, families like Amani's cling to hope, praying for a resolution that will allow them to reclaim their lives and reunite with their loved ones.

 

In the shadow of escalating violence and geopolitical tensions, the plight of Gaza's residents serves as a sobering reminder of the human cost of conflict. As world leaders debate policy and strategy, it is imperative that the voices of the marginalized and oppressed are not drowned out. The time for action is now—to hold accountable those who profit from the suffering of others and to pave the way for a future where peace and justice prevail.

 

02.03.24

Source

 

[Skipalongcassidy]

AHH... those kind and benevolent muslims at it again... somehow this will be blamed on trump though

[thaibeachlovers]

There are always scum seeking to profit from the misery of others. If I were to say what I really think about them and their fellow travelers I might expect a suspension.

 

I wonder ( not really ) if there are any western companies involved in this vile activity?

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7 hours ago, Skipalongcassidy said:

AHH... those kind and benevolent muslims at it again... somehow this will be blamed on trump though

It looks like Trump has taken up permanent living quarters in your brain.

[retarius]

There are people traffickers all over the world making vast sums of money from the misery of others. It is a human activity that has been going on since the Dawn of history....part and parcel of the humanity that we are famous for. The veneer of civilisation is very thin. 

[Bkk Brian]

2 minutes ago, retarius said:

There are people traffickers all over the world making vast sums of money from the misery of others. It is a human activity that has been going on since the Dawn of history....part and parcel of the humanity that we are famous for. The veneer of civilisation is very thin. 

These ones happen to be located next door to Gaza in Egypt though. and the only way people gain access to their services is through the Egyptian border so the Egyptian military is also involved.

 

 

[simple1]

Why Arab countries are currently unwilling to take refugees from Gaza.

 

https://apnews.com/article/palestinian-jordan-egypt-israel-refugee-502c06d004767d4b64848d878b66bd3d