And so with that conversation with Pak Azam, it was on. I did ask who else would be in the team and he mentioned Kamarul Haq Orthopaedics Specialist . Subhanallah.. Allahu Akbar. In a way I was really happy to know that Kamarul will be joining this Mission. Yes, the same Kamarul who was with me in the failed 2014 mission to enter Gaza. I have vowed with him that one day we will enter Gaza together, and at that moment it looked to be that the promise will be fulfilled. Kamarul has had lots of experience since 2014; joining MSF and being deployed to Afghanistan and Syria. He is a decorated member of MSF as he survived the unthinkable bombing of Kunduz hospital. And here he is, definitely more ready than ever.
However, it was not that easy to enter Gaza. We as Malaysians can never enter Gaza with our passport! ever! Maybe a short visiting pass like they do to visit AlAqsa in the West Bank. How was it possible to enter the land controlled by the Israelis? Apparently, as Mercy Malaysia had their Field Hospital being accredited by WHO in their standards - we are a part of their big family of EMT( Emergency Team) which will meet and respond to emergencies around the world. At this moment in time, the crisis was in Gaza and there were mutiple suggestions of how the support can be given. Via the WHO EMT, it was suggested that SCT (Surgical Cell Team) to be formed in a group of 5-7 to support the need of emergency surgeries across Gaza hospitals. It is through this initiative that Mercy Malaysia seemed to have the upper hand amongst all the Malaysian NGOs to enter Gaza.
The first obstacle was to submit our names to be cleared by COGAT. (Coordination of Government Activities in Teritories (occupied territory really..) which is directly under the Government of Israel. If our names at rejected at this point, then forget entering Gaza. We were adviced to go easy on our social media regarding the genocide from the early days - for this particular possible filtering. Once our names were cleared then the next step was via the Cairo WHO office and UNDS to clear us off before we can be set on our dates to cross. Imagine, between 1 February to the day we left for Egypt , we did not really know when we were going and we were expected to be ready 24/7 and be deployed.
At this moment in time, I have yet to inform any of my family members especially my wife that I will be going to Gaza. I believe I should not jump the gun untul I have had confirmation of the dates I will be going. Gila last minute!! Haha But yeah, my heart went overdrive in the 2 weeks befoe leaving as we patiently wait for the update of our movement. We were not supposed to let people know anyway as the government of Malaysia gave a direct strict reprimand against Malaysians going to Gaza in this period of time.
I was just praying and praying that everything will workout and despite the last minute notice, nothing will stop me to go. I have revised all my accounts and collected all passwords and contact persons with whatever money that I have. Sort of a living will for things to be done if I happen not to come back.
