Zakaria Alarayshi, a 62-year-old man from Livonia, Michigan, recently shared his harrowing experience of being trapped in Gaza with his wife, Laila Alarayshi, during the Israel-Hamas war. Speaking at the Arab American Civil Rights League offices in Dearborn, Michigan, Zakaria described the constant sound of bombs and the overwhelming fear of not being able to make it back home.

As the war broke out, Zakaria and Laila found themselves unable to leave Gaza like hundreds of other U.S. citizens stuck in the war zone. The couple hunkered down, braving the terrifying situation. Zakaria recounted how he would often cry and how everyone around him was gripped by fear. The constant sound of bombs exploding made it almost impossible for them to sleep. Zakaria admitted that he could only manage to sleep for about 30 minutes a day, usually in a chair.

The couple lived in constant dread, believing that the bombs would eventually reach them. Zakaria expressed a resigned attitude towards the situation, saying, "If I'm going to die, OK, I don't care. Die, die."

Fortunately, the Alarayshis were among the U.S. residents who were eventually able to evacuate from Gaza. The surprise attack by Hamas militants on southern Israel on October 7 triggered a series of Israeli bombings and a ground invasion, leaving many U.S. citizens trapped. According to the White House, around 500 to 600 U.S. citizens had been stranded in Gaza since the start of the war.

President Joe Biden announced that 74 Americans with dual citizenship were successfully evacuated on November 2. Zakaria and Laila Alarayshi recently returned to Livonia, Michigan, after they were finally allowed to cross the border into Egypt. They had been visiting family in Gaza a week before the Hamas attack and had remained in their home until the Israeli government issued an evacuation order.

During their time in Gaza, the couple endured dire conditions, including scarce sleep, water, and food. Zakaria lamented the lack of supplies, mentioning that at times, they only had cake to eat and tea to drink. The absence of electricity made their situation even more challenging.

Seeking assistance, Zakaria reached out to U.S. officials but was unable to get answers. Eventually, he sought help from the Arab American Civil Rights League. However, reaching safety was not a straightforward process for the Alarayshis. They were denied entry into Egypt multiple times, causing further frustration and anxiety. James Allen, the chair of the Arab American Civil Rights League, shared that Zakaria was initially on the list of citizens allowed to leave Gaza but Laila was not. However, Zakaria refused to leave his wife behind, demonstrating his commitment to her safety.

According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, on Tuesday alone, approximately 15,000 people fled the war zone in north Gaza. This marked a significant increase compared to the 5,000 who fled on Monday and the 2,000 on Sunday. The ongoing violence has tragically claimed the lives of over 10,500 Palestinians, including more than 4,300 children, as reported by the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza. In Israel, over 1,400 individuals have lost their lives, with most of the casualties resulting from the October 7 Hamas attack that sparked the conflict. Additionally, around 240 hostages were taken from Israel into Gaza by the militant group.

Zakaria expressed relief at being back in Michigan, stating, "I'm happy to be here. Just all my mind is back home with my kids and my family." Despite their safe return, the couple's thoughts remain with their loved ones back home as the devastating conflict continues to unfold.