SEREMBAN: Dr Wesam Almahallawi from Palestine is hoping for a ceasefire soon, as he has recently lost 19 family members due to the Israeli bombardment in Gaza. 
A lecturer at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Dr Wesam stated that the people of Gaza, including his remaining relatives, have been enduring tremendous suffering since the Israeli attacks commenced.
“I am praying for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Every single day has been a struggle, and the people there have been experiencing immense hardship since the onset of the attacks,” he expressed.
Dr Wesam, who is part of the university’s Leadership and Management faculty, expressed constant concern for the safety of his parents and siblings.
Among those killed during the Israeli forces’ assault on the city on October 25 were his younger brother, aunt, and first cousins. The youngest victim was just two years old.
He mentioned that the deceased individuals resided in the same building as around 200 others.
“My parents, younger brother, and two younger sisters managed to survive the attack. However, it has been extremely challenging to communicate with them,” he shared.
Dr Wesam mentioned that it took several days for them to respond to his text messages due to Israeli authorities blocking telephone and internet connections in Gaza.
He expressed concern as he had not heard from one of his sisters, who resides in the northern part of Gaza, for four days.
“My 68-year-old father and 65-year-old mother are constantly on the move, fearing bombardment at any given time. They have to seek shelter in the few buildings that are still standing,” he explained.
Dr Wesam stated that the people of Gaza also face difficulties in accessing food and water on a daily basis. Despite offering financial assistance, his family informed him that it was futile as the city has been demolished and there is nothing left to purchase.
