Abed Al-Attar, a 33-year-old from Almere, has been trapped in Gaza for 455 days. He traveled there with his family for a nephew’s wedding on October 7, 2023, the date of a Hamas attack in Israel.
While most of his family has returned to the Netherlands, Al-Attar remains in Gaza. Living with his parents, he faces daily uncertainties, scarcity of supplies, and has lost significant weight.
He’s missed two New Year’s celebrations with his wife and two young daughters in the Netherlands. Although the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs claims to be in contact, Al-Attar says he hears little from them.
Last October, lawyer Samira Sabir took legal action against the Dutch State for not doing enough to bring him home. The case is ongoing.
Al-Attar continues to raise awareness of his situation through LinkedIn, feeling forgotten by politicians despite holding a Dutch passport.
Source: NOS