Everything was kept under wraps because of two reasons. The first was it wasn't sanctioned by the government of Malaysia, Two because it is not confirmed until we step inside the real soil Gaza! It was that uncertain. But things were certainly moving really fast. Once our names were given the thumbs up by Gaza, then the tons of paperwork that had to be done by Masniza ( our Mercy Malaysia coordinator for this mission to WHO/UN and whatever agencies that needs to be.
We had our online meetings done a few times with the initial date of entering Gaza was supposed to be the 1st week of February - but we got rejected and had to reapply for the next date. Whilst doing all this, nobody knew I was going except for the group. Eka and my parents had no clue about this at all. Totally zilch.
Then the date was approved, we were scheduled to fly from KL on the 17th of February, Saturday morning. The first person I informed was Qayyum which was on the Wednesday. I went to PASUM to meet him up; it was then that I informed him that he had the honour to know it first. it was in ZUS cafe UM that I explained it was possible that I may not return and I am preparing him for that. I told him he will have to lead the family when I left. He was speechless because of course he did not expect this at all. Knowing at the same time the chaos in Gaza through the social media. I saw tears in his eyes as there was with me too. I left with him the necessary instructions of what to do if he received bad news about me; my account bank number and all the contact persons involved.
Later I met Azad and informed him as well. He is my most trusted person in my life hence I gave him the honor to help sort things out if something did not go right with this mission. These were the only people who knew about this, even my parents were not notified of this departure. I'm sure they will know later once I am there.
Telling my wife Eka was not easy. I totally did not know what to expect but I was fully prepared for the anger that she may project knowing how very last minute I told her. Eusoff just turned 1 and we were just recovering from organizing the massive party we had. I was prepared for her to react negatively towards my intention of going to Gaza. What was my logic doing this? Well.. kalau last minit nak marah pun sekejap je kena endure and by then I''m off away.. haha
To my upmost surprise, she reacted very rational. Too calm yet accepting stragiht away. Yes she cried but not because of anger; because she knew that I really wanted to do this. This was in fact my dream to step into Gaza as I;ve told her many times about my failed attempt in 2014. She knew I was being my usual self as a humanitarian to serve and to my surprise, she was in fact HAPPY for me! She even apologixed to me because she was angry with me not planning to attend Marissa's birthday do because I could not tell her I was not going to be around! She was truly sincere and very lovingly supportive hence this is the story about how I told my wife.. 2 days before leaving for Gaza. 
Qayyum made a point that he said he wanted to send me at the airport. In the early morning of the 17th February 2024 we made our way to KLIA. Guess in which car? Yes.. the trusted steed of Perdana V6 101 because I did not trust Qayyum to drive my car haha It was certainly a wobbly drive and I do still remember how panicky Qayyum was negotiating the driveway in the KLIA parking. 
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