In Egypt, displaced Palestinians languish in limbo

Mkhaimar Abusada lived comfortably in Gaza City in a good neighbourhood near Abu Mazen Square , and enjoyed the prestige that comes with an academic position in Palestinian society.

He left Gaza last November after his university was destroyed and then looted by Israeli forces.

Now the family is all in Cairo , but he must rebuild his life from scratch, a common fate among Palestinians .

More than 100,000 Palestinians remain in Egypt , almost all in the greater Cairo region.

With very few exceptions, they are not allowed to work or study, cannot receive residency status and must live on the charity of others or meagre savings.

Most Palestinians from Gaza now live in Cairo ’s poor areas like Faisal Street or Imbaba .

Tawfiq Rizk comes from a large family of ten daughters and four brothers.

The family lived in Rafah , not far from the famous crossing into Egypt .

He left Gaza to find medical help for his injured sister, leaving his wife behind.

He is 27 , and the oldest brother.