A Palestinian looks on from his house damaged by Israeli airstrikes in Rafah,southern Gaza Strip.Credit:AP
They decided to evacuate but still had no petrol for their car,“nowhere to escape to”. They fled to the Red Crescent hospital in Tal al-hawa,which is a few hundred metres from his parents’ house. Hundreds of people were already sheltering there. They found a spot on the third floor. “I was with my extended family of 16,” he says.
They stayed for a few hours,but were told the whole hospital had to be evacuated by 6am. “We felt lost,not sure where to go,” he said. Hospital staff urged everyone to leave by 5am,saying they could walk the 10 kilometres south with ambulances and Red Cross vehicles.
But the Red Cross didn’t arrive. The Australians decided to travel to his wife’s family near the Rafah crossing to Egypt. They desperately tried to find a taxi,and finally found one willing to take them in exchange for much of his remaining money.
Twice over the following days they were told by Australian foreign affairs officials that the border would open,and they could cross;twice,those hopes were dashed. On Friday,there were still there,waiting.
Wounded Palestinians arrive at the al-Shifa hospital,following Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City.Credit:AP
The man said Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong called last week. He has since sent her messages,pleading for help. “You made a promise to do your utmost,and we continue to hold on to the hope that your efforts will bear fruit without delay,” read one message.
He is anxiously hoping that the border will open. “Sometime I feel hopeless but try to correct my mindset to think more positively,” he says. “I remember all those in Australia who try really hard to advocate and influence on my family’s behalf. ”