The recent surprise attack by Hamas in Israel has led to further displacement for Eritrean asylum seekers who have already fled their native country due to persecution and compulsory military conscription. With around 18,000 Eritreans seeking asylum in Israel, their already difficult circumstances have been exacerbated by the recent air strikes on southern Israel. This article sheds light on the experiences of these asylum seekers, the challenges they face, and the efforts being made to ensure their safety and well-being.
Teklit, an Eritrean asylum seeker living in the southern city of Ashkelon for the past 13 years, shared his distressing account of the attack. His home was “totally damaged” by a Hamas rocket, and he lamented the lack of warning signals that could have allowed him to evacuate. Another asylum seeker who fled from Ashkelon to the relatively safer city of Netanya expressed gratitude for his safety but described himself as a “new refugee.” Displacement, destruction, and uncertainty have become their everyday reality.
Berhane Negassi, an Eritrean refugee rights activist based in Jerusalem, highlighted the plight of these asylum seekers and the efforts being made to locate missing individuals. While no Eritrean fatalities have been reported, the community remains concerned about their fellow asylum seekers. Negassi emphasized that Israel is their second country and they will not tolerate its suffering. The Eritrean New Hope Organization, led by Negassi, is collaborating with Israeli security forces, police, and government institutions to ensure the safety and well-being of the Eritrean community in Israel.
However, life is far from easy for these asylum seekers. The recent attack has disrupted daily life in Israel, with schools closed and many employees unable to attend work. The challenges are magnified for refugees who may already be facing difficulties as troubled single mothers or dealing with health and economic problems. The presence of Eritreans and Sudanese in Israel dates back to 2006, when they arrived after treacherous journeys through Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. Upon reaching Israel, they often find themselves in desert holding centers, awaiting consideration of their asylum requests. Unfortunately, the approval rate for asylum applications remains extremely low, with less than 0.1% of applications approved in 2020.
As the conflict between Israel and Hamas persists, the death toll continues to rise, with over 2,300 lives lost in Israel’s retaliatory bombing campaign in the Gaza Strip. The situation remains precarious, with Israel issuing warnings to 1.1 million Palestinians in north Gaza to evacuate south, leading to a mass exodus by vehicle and foot. The potential for an Israeli ground invasion further raises concerns for the safety and well-being of both the Israeli and Palestinian populations.
In conclusion, the recent attack by Hamas in Israel has had a profound impact on Eritrean asylum seekers, who have now been displaced again in a country they sought refuge in. Their already challenging circumstances have worsened, with homes destroyed and lives disrupted. It is crucial for the international community to recognize the plight of these asylum seekers and to support efforts to ensure their safety and well-being. The focus must be on providing humanitarian aid, advocating for improved asylum processes, and urging a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Israel and Hamas for the sake of all those affected.
