As the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to unfold, Palestinian expatriates living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) face heart-wrenching challenges in maintaining contact with their families in Gaza. With the death toll nearing 10,000, the situation in the besieged city has become increasingly dire.
M.A., a Palestinian expat residing in Dubai, shares his ongoing fears as he communicates with his family in Gaza. He reveals the disruption caused by the Israeli military’s actions, with mobile phone and internet connections frequently disrupted, making communication with loved ones a daunting task. M.A. can now speak to his family only once every couple of days, amplifying his anxiety and concern for their safety.
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The loss of connectivity has a cascading effect, as Abdul Fattah, an administrative executive in the UAE, conveys the desperation of his family in Gaza. The essentials like food, water, and medicines have become scarce, resources are exhausted, and the situation is increasingly dire, with a growing number of family members losing their lives.
Mohammed Herzallah, a long-time UAE resident with family members in Palestine, points out the multiple challenges faced in maintaining communication. The unreliable telecom network and intermittent internet access make it challenging to connect with loved ones. Some areas have even lost access to electricity, further complicating the situation.
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Sajida Al Bashir, a Palestinian expat in the UAE for nearly three decades, is deeply concerned about her twin sister, who is a teacher in Palestine. Despite using various communication channels, including Facebook, the Tawasal App, and Botim, the ongoing conflict has left her feeling restless when she’s unable to reach her sister.
The impact of the conflict in Gaza is not limited to the immediate future. It is expected to have long-term effects on daily life in Palestine, affecting both families and friends of Palestinian expats in the UAE. The ongoing blackout, damage to infrastructure, and the daily struggles faced by the people of Gaza continue to create uncertainty and anxiety among those with loved ones in the region.
