Action Group – Egypt:
Palestinian refugees residing in Egypt are experiencing deteriorating living conditions, in light of new decisions to reduce food aid, along with increasing difficulties in healthcare, transportation, and accommodation.
According to the testimonies of several refugees, the value of food aid allocated to Palestinian families was recently set at covering only five individuals, regardless of the actual family size.
This measure sparked widespread resentment among large families, who felt the decision did not take into account differences and did not adopt the principle of proportionality in distribution.
In the same context, many families face difficulties in accessing basic healthcare. Refugees reported that the cost of medical tests and examinations ranges between 400 and 600 Egyptian pounds, while many cases lack full coverage for surgeries or emergency treatment.
Regarding movement, a number of refugees reported experiencing obstacles when leaving Egypt, particularly via Jordan or Lebanon, where they were forced to pay fines or face arrest despite holding Syrian travel documents. Syrian refugees are permitted to circumvent these procedures in similar cases.
The economic situation of refugees has worsened due to the lack of legal employment opportunities, following the suspension of investment residency permits for approximately eight months. This has forced some to sell their properties at low prices to cover living expenses, medical treatment, or travel.
Under these circumstances, a Palestinian activist in Egypt called on humanitarian agencies and relevant organizations to intensify their efforts to support refugees, emphasizing the importance of strengthening solidarity and mutual support among members of the Palestinian community to confront these challenges, rather than relying solely on temporary aid.