Help save my family from death in Gaza

Hello, my name is Israa Mahdi, a Canadian-Palestinian residing in Canada. I am reaching out for urgent assistance regarding a critical situation affecting my family members in Gaza. They have endured horrifying experiences, witnessing the devastation, loss of life, and hunger among numerous families, friends, and neighbors.

My uncle's family, comprising 14 individuals (8 adults and 6 children), has faced a series of heartbreaking challenges. The intense bombings and relentless attacks forced them to relocate to south Gaza on October 14th, 2023, fleeing under fire and leaving behind all their belongings. They sought refuge in various locations, including Khan Younis, Dair-albalah, and Almawasi, in desperate search of safety . Unfortunately, there is no possibility of return as their homes in northern Gaza were burned down, and their neighborhood, constantly targeted is left in ruins.

After months of continuous displacement, they find themselves split between Rafah and Almawasi, both areas under constant threat of bombardment. Compounding their struggles, their family business specializing in water and solar power trade, suffered significant damage, and loss of income.

They currently face the harsh reality of homelessness, lack of food, water, medicine, employment, and constant threat of violence. The entire Gaza Strip is unsafe, making access to basic necessities like food and clean water a daily challenge. Limited facilities force them to consume unsafe water, posing additional health risks.

In our efforts to ensure their safety, we are working on their evacuation to a safer location while pursuing visas to Canada through the recently announced temporary visa program for Canadians with extended family members in conflict zones. However, this endeavor comes with significant financial hurdles.

The Canadian government does not provide financial assistance for evacuees or their families, placing the entire burden on us. This includes covering travel costs, accommodation during the paperwork process in Cairo, flight tickets for all 14 family members, and initial settlement expenses in Canada.

The cost for each person to leave Gaza is approximately $7000 CAD, with an additional $1,300 CAD per person for airfare, and expenses in Cairo averaging around $1,000 CAD per person. This amounts to approximately $10,300 CAD per person and a total of $144,200 CAD for the entire family.

The urgency of the situation cannot be emphasized enough. Time is critical, and every moment without intervention poses the risk of further violence and loss of lives. Communication with my family is severely hampered due to telecommunication issues, heightening our concerns about their well-being.

I am deeply grateful for your willingness to listen to my family's hardship. The reality of the situation is even more dire than words can express, and the voices of Palestinians often struggle to be heard, making it challenging to raise awareness and garner support.

At this pivotal moment, I earnestly appeal to the compassion of all individuals. Your support can serve as a ray of hope, guiding my family away from the world's most dangerous place toward a new and secure life.

Thank you for your steadfast support and understanding during this difficult time. Your contribution not only offers a fresh start for my family but also demonstrates compassion and solidarity for justice and the preservation of human lives.