A Clare based Palestinian national whose family remain trapped in Gaza is calling for a full and immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Husam, a Computer Engineer by profession moved here for work just weeks before fighting broke out in the enclave.
Since October 7th, 28,000 people have been killed in Gaza, while a further 1.9 million have become displaced.
Among those who have been forced to flee their homes are Husam’s wife and three young children who spent over a month trapped in the Al-Quds Hospital in Gaza City with limited access to any humanitarian aid.
Due to the consistent bombardment, coupled with the Israeli ground advance, Husam’s family fled to Khan Yunis, where once again they came under attack and faced extreme shortages of food, water and telecommunications.
The household has now escaped to the border town of Rafah where they are living in a tent in a refugee camp, where the spread of disease is rife and virtually all drinking water is at risk of contamination.
Husam has set up a go-fund me page to help his family cross the border to safety in Egypt, who he says are currently living in the most unbearable conditions.
Israeli troops are continuing to prepare for an assault on Rafah, while an airstrike campaign is ongoing overhead.
Last night, the country’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a proposed hostage exchange and ceasefire deal with Hamas.
Husam says though that for the people of Gaza, both war governments must bring to fighting to a halt to end the bloodshed of innocent civilians.
You can listen to the full interview below.