A family from Medway, Massachusetts, has been stranded in Gaza for the past three weeks amidst escalating war, desperately seeking a way out of the country.
Abood Okal and Wafaa Abuzayda were visiting family in northern Gaza with their 1-year-old son, Yousef, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7. Despite promises of an evacuation plan from federal and state leaders, the Medway family remains awaiting their rescue.
The family’s close friend, Sammy Nabulsi, shared an audio recording from Okal with NBC10 Boston, in which he describes their sleepless nights and efforts to protect their child amidst the uncertainty.
“Last night was probably the hardest for us since the beginning of the war,” Okal revealed.
According to Okal, they have enough food supplies for now, but the scarcity of drinking water is becoming a challenge. They rely on local vendors or filtration stations, but with the dwindling fuel supply, obtaining clean water has become increasingly difficult.
Despite the lack of updates from the U.S. State Department, Okal remains hopeful that they will soon be able to leave Gaza and return home safely. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining hope to stay resilient amidst the challenging circumstances.
President Joe Biden has pledged to work with Egypt and Israel to support the evacuation of U.S. citizens and their immediate family members from Gaza.
Despite assurances from politicians, a local family remains trapped in Gaza as the Israel-Hamas war intensifies.
Israel has expanded its ground operation, with tanks and infantry entering Gaza backed by airstrikes and naval attacks. This escalation has caused widespread panic among Gaza residents, including the Medway family.
The death toll in Gaza continues to rise, with over 7,700 people killed since the conflict began. Women and minors constitute the majority of the casualties, and an estimated 1,700 people are still trapped beneath the rubble.
The World Health Organization has made an urgent appeal to end the fighting in Gaza and protect the lives of innocent civilians.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with civilians seeking shelter and supplies running low. Electricity has been cut off, and over 1.4 million people have been displaced from their homes.
As the conflict continues, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize the safety and well-being of innocent civilians.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
