KUALA LUMPUR: The father of Nurul Ain Haron, a 37-year-old Malaysian woman who was stranded in Khan Yunis, Gaza for 42 days, said his daughter is still in a state of trauma and fear.
Haron Hamim, 65, said he was concerned about his daughter's condition and hopes that counselling can help her.
"I am saddened to see my daughter's condition; people keep visiting. I understand everyone is happy that Ain has safely returned home, but she is still traumatised," he said.
According to Haron, his daughter chose to sleep in the living room and easily gets startled from sleep.
"I woke her up this morning for the morning prayer, even with a gentle touch, Ain was startled and almost screamed in fear," he told Berita Harian over a phone call this morning.
When asked why she was sleeping in the living room and not in her room, Ain mentioned that it was easier to escape if anything happens.
"I'm saddened to hear my daughter answer that way. Despite appearing strong externally, as a father, I know she is scared; she is still traumatised," he said.
Ain and her husband, a Palestinian citizen named Muhammad Adnan Shaat, 33, safely arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on Tuesday, Nov 14, after being stranded for more than 42 days since Oct 1 in Khan Yunis, Gaza.
Throughout their time there, Ain frequently communicated with the media and several times, sounds of bomb explosions were heard in recordings of Ain's conversations.
Ain and her husband went to Gaza to visit family because her husband had not seen his family for nine years, and she herself had not met her in-laws since getting married six years ago.