'Death is more merciful' - Irish resident pleads for help as Gazan family forced to eat leaves

Dublin resident, Amran Maxamed, is pleading for help on behalf of his Palestinian friend Mahmoud Elhelu and his family, who are currently facing dire circumstances, including homelessness, illness, lack of medicine, limited food, and the ongoing threat of conflict in the southern part of the Gaza Strip.

Mahmoud, a 21-year-old Palestinian, shared his family's heartbreaking story in hopes of garnering support from the global community. Once said to be prosperous with five apartments in the Tal al-Hawa neighbourhood of Gaza City, the Elhelu family have seen their dreams shattered by the Israeli bombings.

The family comprises Mahmoud, his father, mother, and two younger sisters, Talat and Shahad. His oldest brother Ahmed is married with a family of eight, and his other sister Tasneem is currently trapped in Gaza City. As a whole, the family are said to have survived multiple wars, but the current situation is described as "unprecedented injustice."

Mahmoud and his family's destroyed home

The Elhelu family are currently seeking refuge in Rafah Camp, where they face freezing temperatures with only a makeshift plastic tent for shelter. Their food is scarce, medical treatment is unavailable, and it is said that children are falling ill.

Now, the threat of the Israeli army's arrival in Rafah has added to their fears. "Death is more merciful than our condition. The only thing between us and the freezing temperatures is a tent that we constructed using plastic," Mahmoud continued.

A photo of Mahmoud's brother Ahmed's eight children

Speaking about his mother, Mahmoud said: "She is very dear to me. She has grown old and weak and she has sacrificed so much for us in her life. To see her suffer like this and break down in front of me is the most painful experience for me."

With relatives already there, and through the authorities, an opportunity awaits for Mahmoud and his family to leave Gaza and start a new life in Egypt. They are pleading for funds through a GoFundMe campaign to aid them in their quest.

The 21-year-old has published the projected breakdown for the donations raised by the campaign. This includes charges ranging from $6500 to $8,000 per adult, and $1000 to $2000 per child, for the Rafah crossing permit and coordination of transit from Gaza to Egypt.

The family also requires $15,000 for resettlement in Egypt, including clothing, rent, food, medicine, and other necessities. Approximately $2000 to $3000 of the funds are said to be allocated to cover the fees associated with the GoFundMe campaign.

An update to the fundraiser on March 7 stated: "Due to the forced famine in North Gaza, they are starving and they have reached a stage where they are eating leaves."

Mahmoud's brother Ahmed and the display of their 'painful' living conditions

Mahmoud pleaded: "I desperately need your assistance in getting my family to safety. Every donation whether big or small matters. Additionally, I request that you share my story and stand in solidarity with us in the darkest moments in our lives."

With over five thousand donations to date and €85,000 raised at the time of publication, the family's goal is to reach €100,000. 

The fundraiser can be found on GoFundMe titled: "Help evacuate Mahmoud's family out of Gaza war."