Numbers of Palestinians from Gaza illegally emigrating to Egypt and Europe have tripled since the Israeli assault on the enclave, sources told PNN. It is claimed as many as 10,000 people have fled in the last 8 months as life in Gaza has become unbearable.
A recent PFLP statement equally confirmed that this recent phenomenon sees most cross the border into Sinai through tunnels before arriving at Egypt's coastal towns. From there some will attempt to reach Italy or other European states by sea.
People smugglers charge around $4,000 per person for the journey and take no responsibility should emigrants be arrested or killed. The danger involved in such journeys is considerable. Recently a vessel carrying 160 illegal emigrants capsized off the coast. All those aboard remain in custody having been arrested by Egyptian forces.
The high cost of human smuggling has seen cases of Gazans selling wives' and mothers' jewelry or borrowing large sums in order to leave the enclave. Sources wished to remain anonymous, fearing for their own safety.
It is testament to the desperate situation in Gaza that thousands of Palestinians are ready to risk their lives in search of a better future. Sources report Gazans evoking the difficulty of living in the Strip following the Israeli assault with fear, injustice and killing as daily presences. The lack of opportunities for the future leads furthermore to their determination to escape regardless of its legality.  
With checkpoints closed and Egypt unwilling to facilitate access, being illegally smuggled through tunnels into Sinai remains the only option for those seeking a new start. PNN was told how the emigrant demographic has equally changed with young men now joined by whole families set on leaving Gaza, despite the inherent danger.
The PFLP statement called this "increasing phenomenon [...] very dangerous", noting that people smugglers continued with impunity and had connections with international criminal networks. The group called upon all Palestinian factions to come together in Gaza to find a solution to the emigration crisis. Hamas has received criticism for aiding only its supporters, leaving others to face poverty and unemployment. Policies are accused of having ignored the youth for years resulting in Gaza offering no future prospects.