An estimated 200,000 Palestinians reside within the UAE.
As Israeli bombs proceed to pound the Gaza strip within the newest escalation of violence, Palestinian expats within the UAE say they’re feeling helpless as their homeland burns and civilians die.
An estimated 200,000 Palestinians reside within the UAE.
Ahmed, 33, is one such Palestinian. He moved to the UAE 16 years in the past together with his household.
“As a young person, I grew up in Palestine throughout the first and second Intifada (resistance motion). I’ve seen the sufferings of my individuals. It’s traumatic to see all of it unfolding once more once we thought there will probably be peace,” Ahmed, who works within the development sector, instructed Khaleej Instances.
He mentioned he has been waking up with the concern questioning what number of extra individuals had died the earlier night time.
“You shouldn’t have to be a Palestinian or an Arab to really feel for Palestinians. These are hapless individuals who don’t have any defence towards a strong military,” mentioned Ahmed, who doesn’t need to give his second title.
The escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine is exhibiting no let-up. The loss of life toll is rising on each side as militant group Hamas continues to fireside 1000’s of rockets towards Israeli civilian targets and Israel bombards Gaza in retaliation.
The loss of life toll in Gaza has climbed to a complete of 181, together with no less than 52 youngsters and 31 ladies. Twelve Israeli residents have died within the violence.
Lina Abu-Sabra, a human useful resource skilled based mostly in Dubai, mentioned it’s “heart-breaking” to see the killings in Gaza.
“I’ve stopped watching TV as a result of I can not bear it anymore. I didn’t develop up in Palestine and I don’t know who these persons are I see on the display. However I weep for them. They’re my individuals,” mentioned Abu–Sabra, who moved to the UAE from Jordan in 2012.
She says she feels sadder due to the liberty and peace she enjoys within the UAE. “I really feel blessed to be dwelling within the UAE. I would like Palestinians, and for that matter, everybody to reside in dignity and peace.”
On the Israeli aggression on Palestine, Abu-Sabra says regardless of the trigger and historical past of the battle is, “nothing justifies the assault on Palestinian civilians.”
Mohammed Alfanni, 29, who works as an accountant, mentioned Palestinians have solely two decisions. “Both we’ve to observe helplessly or to struggle for our land. We’ve been dwelling underneath the Israeli occupation since a long time. It saddens me to see this cycle of violence persevering with.”
Based on him, there will probably be peace provided that the worldwide group, particularly the US, intervenes and asks Israel to cease its aggression. “However, sadly, they gained’t,” mentioned Alfanni.
Many mentioned they need peace in order that the sufferings of harmless individuals will cease.
“Palestinians live as a fragmented individuals due to the Israeli occupation. It’s towards worldwide regulation and so they comprehend it. Now, they need to evict extra households from Sheikh Jarrah and Palestinian anger is boiling over,” mentioned one other Palestinian expat, who doesn’t need to be named.
“There will probably be peace when Israeli forces withdraw from occupied territories and Palestinians can get pleasure from equal rights. Everybody desires peace. Everybody desires this battle to finish,” he mentioned.
anjana@khaleejtimes.com