This fundraiser is being organised from a Londoner in the UK in support of a family from Gaza. We pray for an immediate ceasefire amidst appalling losses, but with the border with Egypt closed and violence only rising, families like Nahedh's have no choice but to appeal for funds to escape to safety.

I first met Nahedh in Albania whilst studying Albanian language. We became friends, particularly brought closer together during a misadventure climbing up a mountain together (we didn't know it was a mountain when we started the hike!) He has been a friend ever since, and it has been heartbreaking seeing the misery that recent events has placed on his family.

Nahedh and his family have suffered extensively in this war already. Following the destruction of the their home and the death/disappearance of 2 family members, Nahedh and his family fears for their ongoing safety. Most recently, 2 more family members were injured whilst attempting to receive aid (food/flour), and the family has been displaced multiple times whilst seeking refuge in changing "safe zones".

Now based near the border, the family seeks to escape Gaza and retreat to safety, but current barriers make this virtually impossible. With the border broadly closed, Egypt currently requests approximately $5500 per person to secure permission to leave. With himself and 9 dependents, this makes the cost of securing the permissions alone to be $55,000, plus potential admin and other travel fees to reach safety in Egypt. The full breakdown of the final costs will be recorded and shared on the Gofundme page in an update (as with other pages).

The final goal for Nahedh and his family will eventually to be evacuated from Egypt to Tirana, Albania (where he holds a permanent residency). The family have applied for an evacuation request from the Albanian government but has so far received no response over the last 3 months. Despite the right to live outside of Gaza, the family needs these fees to pass through the border to make their onward arrangements to Albania.

Fees like these are impossible for most Gazans in normal times, and especially now - Nahedh and his family are financially ruined, with their valuable home destroyed, careers on hold and everyone displaced and living off of aid. The family is therefore appealing to kind strangers to help them reach safety and rebuild. Your support is greatly appreciated, God Bless.