– The last time I spoke to them, they were scared and very worried. There is no safe place in Gaza. It’s hopeless, and they don’t know what to do. Nabil Abusharekh has family in Palestine. He lost contact with them two days ago. The Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza is partially open. 500 foreign citizens will probably cross the border during the day. None of them are Norwegian, says the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOF). – It is scary because the situation is dangerous. Any further delay could mean loss of life. We had hoped they would get out today, he says of his family. Nabil Abusharekh talks to his son in Gaza days after Hamas attacked Israel. Photo: Ole-Christian Olsen Abusharekh’s wife and three children are in Gaza. He also has family, friends and a former colleague there. – I have no words. Two days ago I lost contact with them. Someone nearby said that they are doing well, but I have no direct contact. I just sit here and feel powerless. Abusharekh works as a physiotherapist in Bindal in Nordland. – At night I can’t sleep, and I worry every time the phone rings. There may be bad news. So yes, I’m scared. Want more follow-up – I wish we had clarified the process earlier, what will happen and when they can get out. He is calling for more information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for both him and his family in Gaza. – If they start moving towards the border, it is very dangerous. We want more security and follow-up. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Norwegian citizens in the Gaza Strip to wait to travel to the Rafah crossing. – We don’t know why Norwegians are not on the list to cross the border, but I hope for more effort and more commitment as we get them out. Abusharekh says that he is in contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on WhatsApp and email, but that communication between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the family in Gaza is minimal. – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should have people in the Gaza Strip who can convey news and messages to those who are there. I have been told to wait, but it is not certain that my family will. – The situation is tragic not only for my family, but for all the families in Gaza. Everyone lacks food, drinking water and safety. We need a ceasefire, says Abusharekh. Trying to get Norwegians home In an e-mail, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs writes that they have been informed that several foreign citizens will probably be given permission to cross the border crossing in the coming days. – We currently do not know when the first Norwegians can leave, but we have been told that we will be contacted in advance. It looks like it will happen in batches. As soon as we know more, we will inform Norwegian citizens in Gaza. They have sent the names of Norwegians who wish to leave to the relevant parties and are in contact with everyone who has influence over the process of departure for foreign citizens, the email says. – The situation at the border crossing will probably be unclear in the coming days. It can be very dangerous to travel within Gaza. We will notify our citizens as soon as we have updates. That is why they ask Norwegian citizens to wait before traveling to the border crossing. – We are aware that the telephone and internet are partially down. Some Norwegian citizens have received our messages today, unfortunately we have no way to communicate with others until the internet works again.
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Have lost contact with the family in Gaza – asks the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to step up – news Norway – Overview of news from various parts of the country
