Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in a heartfelt video call with Nurul Ain Haron and her husband, Mohamed AM Shaat, expressed relief at their successful evacuation from Gaza through the Rafah Border Crossing. During the call, Anwar encouraged Nurul Ain to rest upon her return to Malaysia, emphasizing the importance of sharing the stories of the ongoing situation in Gaza with the Malaysian people.
Anwar's words reflected the sentiment of many Malaysians eagerly awaiting Nurul Ain's firsthand account of the challenges faced by those living in conflict zones. He extended his prayers for their safe journey back to Kuala Lumpur and stressed the significance of raising awareness about the complexities of the Palestinian struggle.
The evacuation, which took place on Sunday (Nov 12) at 8:23 pm local time, was lauded by Anwar as a successful outcome of his discussions with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi during his visit to Egypt on Oct 23. Expressing gratitude to Abdel Fattah for facilitating the evacuation, Anwar highlighted the collaborative efforts involving leaders from Turkey, Iran, and Saudi Arabia to address the escalating conflict.
Anwar underscored the challenges faced in securing a strong position to prevent further atrocities by Israel, emphasizing the gravity of the situation in Gaza. He acknowledged the diplomatic efforts made to seek support from international leaders, including President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Nurul Ain, 37, and Mohamed, 33, are scheduled to depart for Malaysia on Monday night. Nurul Ain expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Malaysian Government for their unwavering support and successful evacuation. She thanked everyone for their assistance, prayers, and support, emphasizing that, despite the difficulties, they are all in good condition.
The couple's decision to leave Gaza arose as the conflict escalated, with Nurul Ain sharing insights into the challenges faced during their exit. Due to Mohamed holding a Palestinian passport, their journey through the Rafah Border Crossing involved a prolonged wait and intricate procedures. Nurul Ain, who initially traveled to Gaza for the first time with her husband on Oct 1, has become a symbol of resilience and hope, showcasing the strength of individuals navigating complex geopolitical realities.
Here are some challenges that she faced during her stay in the war area that she told during an interview:
Nurul Ain expressed a deep yearning for a return to a life of tranquility, free from constant fear. She longs for basic necessities such as a good night's sleep, access to clean water, a stable supply of electricity, and, most importantly, freedom from the imminent threat of bombs that have become a daily reality in the region.
Accepting her fate, Nurul Ain acknowledged the opportunity to be with her in-law's family and the Palestinians during this tumultuous period. Despite the adversity, she remained steadfast in her determination to contribute to helping the local community.
When asked about what she misses the most, Nurul Ain shared a poignant list of longings, including the desire for a peaceful existence, a sense of safety, and the ability to sleep soundly. However, her yearnings extended beyond personal comfort, encompassing basic amenities like food, clean water, electricity, and Internet service. Above all, she expressed a deep longing for a life free from the constant threat of bombings.
Nurul Ain sheds light on the dire situation regarding water access in Gaza, describing it as nearly impossible for residents to obtain clean water. While she, among those who could afford it, arranged for water tankers to deliver water to her home, the quality remained inconsistent and unsuitable for drinking. Despite these challenges, she remained resilient, finding alternative sources for cooking and drinking.
Focused on assisting the homeless and vulnerable, Nurul Ain aimed to alleviate their burden, enabling them to continue their journey to safer locations such as the homes of relatives or friends. The couple, originally residing in the UAE, returned to Nurul Ain's in-law's home in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, on October 1, marking her first visit in six years.
Nurul Ain's account provides a poignant glimpse into the challenges faced by individuals caught in conflict zones and showcases the resilience and compassion that can emerge even in the midst of adversity.
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