“I miss being free without the threat of bombs” – M’sian Stranded in Gaza Shares Her Experience

A Malaysian stranded in Gaza, Palestine, recently shared her experience living through the conflict.

In an interview with Berita Harian, Nurul Ain Haron said she longs for a good night’s sleep, a clean water supply and electricity and freedom from always feeling fearful.

“I accept God’s fate, which gave me the opportunity to be with my in-law’s family here and the Palestinians through this moment of war,” she shared.

Nurul Ain, who has been in Gaza for about two months, has faced anxious moments when the area where she lives is bombed every day. However, she insists on continuing to help Palestinians.

When asked what she misses the most, Nurul Ain said she misses living quietly, feeling safe and sleeping well.

“Other than that, some other things I miss are food, clean water, electricity and Internet service. But what I miss the most living with a calm heart, and being free without the threat of bombs every day.”

She explained that it is almost impossible for residents to get clean water. “For those who can afford it, like me, we can pay for a tanker to deliver water to the house to be stored in a tank,” she shared; however, the quality of the water received was inconsistent and not suitable for drinking.

“Despite being able to afford it, the water sent is taken from the sea after filtering it. Sometimes it tastes brackish, and sometimes it’s salty. It cannot be used for drinking. We will find other sources for cooking and drinking,” she stated.

Nurul Ain’s husband Mohamed Adan Shaat, is now getting extended leave from his employer in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) but he is unsure about how long he will need to get out of work and whether he needs to find a new job after the family is rescued from Gaza.

While still in Gaza, Nurul Ain continues distributing food supplies and blankets to the residents around her home.

“I focus on those who are homeless, who board in closed business premises or sleep like homeless people. Help is given to ease their burden so they can continue their journey to a safer place such as a relative’s or friend’s house.”

Nurul Ain and her husband live in the UAE, but the couple returned to her in-law’s home in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, on October 1. It was the first time Nurul Ain visited her in-law’s home after six years of marriage.

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Also read: Heartbreaking Video Shows Kids Cleaning Up & Playing at Gaza Hospital 20 Hours Before Bombing