Palestinian students in India anxious about well-being of loved ones, praying for war to end
«I haven't been able to read or write a single sentence ever since the war started. I am experiencing mental stress and haven't slept properly in a while,» Talib told PTI.
Unable to get in touch with anyone back home, Talib said he doesn't know if his family members are alive.
«It's a helpless feeling and a difficult situation to be in,» he said.
«I have become conscious about spending money, even on food. Instead of three meals, I eat two meals now and have to compromise on their quality and quantity, » he added.
Eager to return home, Talib said he is praying for the war to end soon.
The latest Israel-Palestine conflict has been triggered by the unprecedented and multi-pronged attacks against Israel by Hamas militants on October 7. Israel has launched a massive counter-offensive in Gaza to avenge the attacks.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 3,300 people have been killed and over 12,000 wounded in Gaza since the conflict began.
Aliah, another Palestinian student, had completed her degree course and was planning to return home when the war erupted.
Ever since losing contact with her family, she has been suffering constant panic attacks.
Aliah said the Palestine Embassy has not provided any aid to the students in India and several of them are struggling to survive on their own.
«The Palestine Embassy in India has not provided us with any kind of support or inquired about our well-being,» Aliah, who has been staying with her friends, alleged.
A similar experience was shared by Farook, who said he is left with barely enough money to survive one more week.
