Plymouth Family Trapped in Gaza as Children are Denied Exit
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PLYMOUTH – While there is cause for celebration as Americans manage to escape the war-torn region of Gaza, one family from Plymouth remains trapped and desperate for freedom. The Shafai family, unable to leave Gaza with their children, continues to face an uncertain future.
“They had my brother and his wife’s names on the list, but not the kids,” revealed Hani Shafai. Customs authorities issued a list granting permission for individuals to cross into Egypt, bringing hope to Hazem and Sanaa Shafai. However, the list failed to include their three children. “They were told they could cross, but at the expense of leaving their kids behind. No parent would ever agree to that,” mourned Hani Shafai.
Hazem and Sanaa Shafai, along with their children, have been trapped in Gaza since the outbreak of violence between Hamas and Israel. In desperate conditions, supplies have been running low and access to clean drinking water is scarce. The family’s youngest, a two-year-old boy, is suffering from illness. “He has been dealing with diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. When I asked how he was today and if he had seen a doctor, my brother said he was unable to reach one,” anxiously shared Hani Shafai.
Notably, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey recently penned a letter to the secretary of state, imploring for increased humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza. The letter specifically highlighted the need for safe passage for Americans, including the Shafai family from Plymouth, Massachusetts. Encouragingly, there have been reports of other U.S. citizens successfully escaping Gaza with their children in recent days, exemplified by the Okal family from Medway. This news has given the Shafai family hope. “This is truly fantastic news. It instills a sense of optimism,” expressed Hani Shafai.
Currently, the Shafai family is sheltering in a room with approximately 20 other individuals. They emphasized the dangers and hardships associated with the journey from their current location to the Rafah border. For the sake of their children, they refuse to endure the journey again unless there is an assurance that the entire family can leave together.
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About the Author: Christina Hager
Christina Hager is an Emmy Award-winning investigative reporter with the I-Team at WBZ-TV News. She has spent more than two decades covering major breaking news events across the country, including extensive daily coverage of the coronavirus pandemic.
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