Anxiety grips Palestinians in Malaysia as war rages on

 

More than 3,000 people have died on both sides as Israel prepares for a ground offensive into the Gaza Strip. (AP pic)

PETALING JAYA: The Palestinian community here are anxious over the fate of their relatives in war-torn Gaza, as the violent conflict between Israel and Hamas enters a second week.

Most are concerned about the whereabouts and wellbeing of family members, but continue to cling to hope that they are safe.

An Israeli blockade and complete blackout imposed on the Gaza Strip, including bans on electricity, admission of food and fuel, has left Gazans unable to communicate with their family members abroad.

Wassim Alajrami, 26, a white-collar worker in Malaysia, revealed that his grandparents had to relocate thrice after their home was bombarded the day before.

Wassim Alajrami last spoke to his grandparents on Friday.

“The last time I contacted them was on Friday . It is difficult to keep track of their whereabouts and wellbeing as the communication towers have been destroyed,” Wassim told FMT.

Ahmed Luai, 27, an undergraduate, has been restless, spending the past seven days in front of the television to keep up with the conflict’s developments. His family had to find a way to power their home router so Ahmed could stay updated on their well-being.

“My family is struggling, I’m unable to communicate with them frequently. They are using car batteries to power the WiFi to get signals. It can only supply power for less than three days, and then they have to recharge it again,” Ahmed added.

A PhD student aged 46, who only wanted to be known as Tighreed, said her entire family was still in Gaza and the last time she was able to contact them was two days ago, through her brother.

“He texted me, saying they are okay (after the bombardment), but unfortunately, their neighbours did not make it as the whole building collapsed,”

Despite the uncertainty and bleakness that hangs over the community here, they are grateful for the boundless support from Malaysians and the government, and continue to hope for a sovereign Palestine. They also feel safe here.

Israel has declared war on Hamas following a surprise Hamas assault a day after the 50th anniversary of the 1973 Yom Kippur War. More than 3,000 people have been killed on both sides, as Israel prepares for a ground offensive into the Gaza strip.

The Palestinian ambassador to Malaysia Walid Abu Ali said the embassy is in touch with the Palestinian community in Malaysia and is working hard to address their concerns.

“We provide our community with whatever they need, facilitate the travel in and out of Malaysia by providing documentation, offer financial aid, and regularly visit affected families,” Walid said.

Walid said Palestinians were victims of international hypocrisy and called on Malaysian leaders, whom he believes have the capacity to influence other Asian countries, to support the Palestinian cause. - FMT