ISRAEL’s missile strikes in Gaza have left Palestinians in Malaysia anxious over the fate of their loved ones.

Speaking to The Malaysian Insight, they said they have lost contact with their families in Gaza for more than a week as electricity and internet services had been cut off. 

There are some 580 Palestinians in Malaysia, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

However, the figure could be higher as it does not account for students and others who have not registered with any groups or government agencies.

More than 4,600 Palestinians have been killed in the last two weeks in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, and Israel announced over the weekend that it was intensifying air strikes.

The strikes are in retaliation to Hamas militants attacks into Israel on October 7 which resulted in the death of more than 1,400 Israelis, mostly civilians. The militants also took more than 200 hostages.

A Universiti Malaya student from Gaza said he was deeply worried about his family back home.

Omar Hassouna said his family were stuck in their homes with limited food and water.

“The hospital where I was born was bombarded a few days ago. There is no electricity, no water, no relief whatsoever in Gaza.

“My family are still in the house and not able to leave or go anywhere. For now they are safe. 

“There is no way for me to communicate with them. I can’t call them or text them as internet access is disrupted. I tried to use the land line but it is hard to reach them,” said Omar, who has lived in Malaysia since 2017.

“All I ask from Malaysians are prayers for our safety,” he added.

Omar’s friend, Ahmed Shat said his father and his mother were forced to leave their home after Israel issued warnings to civilians to vacate their premises. 

“They have left our house and they are now taking refuge in my grandmother’s house. However Israel has told them to evacuate because there will be bombs.

“Where are they supposed to go? They have nowhere to go to. To contact them is also a challenge because there is no internet connection. You have to call them using landlines,” he said.

On what Malaysians could do to help, Ahmed said Palestinians preferred prayers over funds.

“We don’t need cash or money. We need your prayers, that is all that matters. Pray for our safety and wellbeing. Pray that our children will continue to live and get to go to school safely,” he added.

Awareness campaign

Viva Palestina Malaysia chairman Dr Musa Mohd Nordin said RM300,000 in donations have been collected for the Gazans.

The medical expert said more than RM20,000 will pay fo fuel for ambulances and RM141,000 for food baskets 

“We have collected RM70,500 for medical and surgical supplies. We are still raising funds for displaced families but have already collected RM61,100.

“We are also raising funds for hot meals for 2,000 people for three days as a start and surgical supplies worth RM432,400,” he said. 

He said donations can be paid to Maybank account 564324601324.

More than one million Gaza folk have been forced to flee their homes in northern Gaza ahead of the expected Israeli offensive.

Another pro-Palestine activist, Prof Nazari Ismail of Boycott Divestment and Sanction Malaysia said there needs to be more awareness campaigns on the ongoing conflict.

The former dean of economics at Universiti Malaya said he expects Malaysia to lead the international call for the boycott and isolation of Israel.

“Due to its apartheid policies and genocide of the Palestinian people, Malaysia must call Muslim countries to sever diplomatic relations with Israel. 

“We also expect Malaysia to be more vocal in its criticism of the US and its blind support of Israel.” – October 24, 2023.