Thousands of Palestinians who fled Gaza are now stranded in Egypt, unable to return home due to the ongoing closure of the border crossing. Among them is nine-year-old Islam Al Farany, who was evacuated for medical treatment after an Israeli strike left him with severe injuries. Islam and his mother, Tahrir, are separated from the rest of their family, who remain in Gaza, and face daily challenges to stay connected.

Despite a cease-fire agreement, the border remains closed, with Israel tying its reopening to conditions that have yet to be met. Many Palestinians in Egypt are living in legal limbo, unable to work or access essential services as their visas have expired. Some, like Haneen Farhat, have started small businesses to survive, but uncertainty and hardship persist.

For families separated by conflict, hope hinges on the reopening of the border and the possibility of reuniting with loved ones. Until then, they must navigate life in Egypt, facing both emotional and practical difficulties.