Khan Yunis – What was once a beloved seaside restaurant, known as ‘Fish Fresh,’ on the outskirts of Al-Mawasi, has become a clandestine departure point. Families, who previously gathered for respite from the blockade, now meet in the dead of night, not for Gaza’s renowned seafood, but for a chance to escape the war-torn strip.
At 3 AM on a frigid winter morning, dozens of Palestinians huddled together. Among them was Bashir, who arrived from Rafah with only the clothes on his back and his phone. Like many others, Bashir received instructions via WhatsApp from an entity calling itself ‘Al-Majd Europe.’ This organization promised what international aid agencies, neighboring governments, UN resolutions, and mediators had failed to deliver: a way out of the inferno.
Bashir, seeking refuge from the horrors of war, was assured he wouldn’t be forced to stay away permanently. He signed no pledges, dreaming of rebuilding his life abroad before eventually returning to Gaza. For this hope, he paid over $4,000 for a seat on a bus and a plane.
As the bus carried him towards the Kerem Shalom crossing, leaving behind the ruins of occupation, Bashir was unaware of the deception. His journey was a stark illustration of a new ‘Nakba’ plan, orchestrated to ensure Gazans never return.
A recent DZWatch investigation, titled ‘Who’s Behind Gaza’s Silent Displacement?’, uncovered a network facilitating the secret and organized evacuation of hundreds of Gazan residents to countries in Africa and Asia. The investigation meticulously tracked these operations, revealing a disturbing trend of exploitation and manipulation.
This investigation raises serious questions about the actors involved and their motives, highlighting the vulnerability of Gazan civilians amidst ongoing conflict. The promise of a better life abroad masks a potential agenda of permanent displacement, a grim echo of past tragedies.
