Exorbitant fees trap Gaza’s fleeing civilians as ‘bloodsuckers’ profit from desperation

SHAH ALAM – As the crisis in Gaza continues, around 100,000 individuals have been labelled as "war traitors," accused of exploiting desperate civilians for financial gain.

With Egypt as the only viable exit, many Palestinians face exorbitant fees—up to USD 5,000 per person—to cross the Rafah border. For those unable to afford it, the grim reality is a choice between staying amid destruction or risking everything for an uncertain future.

According to Universiti Malaya lecturer Dr Muhammad Al-Aqad, these individuals, often referred to as "bloodsuckers," prioritise profit over human suffering, showing no concern for those who die or struggle to access food and essential supplies.

“We as Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, our only way in or out is through Egypt. We cannot pass through Jordan because its border connects to the West Bank, not Gaza.

“Unlike the West Bank, which shares a border with Jordan, Gaza has no direct access to Jordan—only to Egypt,” he said during The Palestinian Diaries podcast session aired recently.

He described that Gaza’s border crossings are limited to Egypt and Israel, while the Mediterranean Sea lies to the west.

During the initial months of the aggression, thousands of Palestinians attempted to flee through the Rafah crossing.

However, Al-Aqad claimed that war traitors took advantage of the situation.

“During this genocide, we saw the real faces of these so-called bloodsuckers. They do not care if people die or if they lack food and medical supplies. All they want is money. Their only concern is getting paid,” he said.

Escaping Gaza comes at a steep cost, with individuals required to pay USD 5,000 per person to cross the border.

Al-Aqad alleged that both Palestinians and Egyptians were involved in facilitating these transactions.

“This means only the rich can leave Gaza. If a person wants to escape with their family, they must pay at least USD 20,000 because every member costs USD 5,000,” he said.

Children aged 10 to 12 were reportedly offered a discounted fee of USD 2,500 per person, but the financial burden remains overwhelming.

“Where are people supposed to find USD$10,000 or USD$12,000 amid this destruction? Their homes, cars, and belongings have been wiped out. They have nothing left except their families,” he added.

Al-Aqad revealed that to cross just 100 metres from Gaza into Egypt, Palestinians are forced to pay USD 25,000. If they cannot afford it, they have no choice but to stay and face death.

Even those who manage to enter Egypt remain uncertain about their fate beyond the border, he said.