TO GAZA AND BACK: (From left) Azmawati, Masrenny, Kuzaimah and Viva Palestina cameraman Mohd Shafee Abdullah

PETALING JAYA: Three reporters who were part of the humanitarian mission to Palestine say what they saw in war-torn Gaza has changed their lives forever.

Bernama TV editorial executive Kuzaimah Idris, news presenters Masrenny Masri and Azmawati Azmi, who were part of Viva Palestina, convoy told The Malay Mail that nothing beats the experience of being there, where hardship was seen daily with the sound of bombs falling like raindrops.

"It was a tough journey but it was really worth it. I used my alarm clock to wake me but in Gaza, I didn't need it as the bombs and machine guns were natural alarm clocks for all of us," said Masrenny.

"It was really an eye-opener. I am grateful that Malaysia is a peaceful country."

Kuzaimah said: "It is still not safe there with bombings every few hours. I feel sorry for the Gazans, the Arab world urgently needs to be united, in one voice, to ensure the siege of Gaza is broken.

"The bombings were scary and we heard machine gun fire about 200 metres from our hotel. About seven bombs were dropped in northern and southern Gaza within the 48 hours we were there.

"We were advised not to go near the bombed areas. It would have been great to be able to cover the bombings and carry visuals for Malaysians to know what the Gazans go through daily."

Azmawati said the trip made her appreciate the smaller things in life.

"I believe most Malaysians take things for granted. We live in a peaceful country. It's totally different in Gaza. I remember a place called 'The Fishermen Village', where an Israeli soldier shot dead a fisherman for no apparent reason. They kill as they like."

Bernama TV CEO Engku Emran Engku Zainal Abidin said the three reporters were recommended by their superiors.

"They were sent because we believe they're young and have the potential to deliver. I wanted to prove that my team of reporters can do an equally good job, regardless of their gender."

The convoy of nationals from various countries started their journey from London on Dec 6, travelling through cities and towns in Turkey, Syria and Jordan.

Various obstacles were encountered along the way, especially in Egypt, where the government refused to allow the convoy to use Nuweiba city as a gateway to Gaza via Rafah.

Many members were injured during a protest against the Egyptian authorities, resulting in seven, including a Malaysian student, being arrested. This delayed their Dec 27 deadline to reach Gaza that marked the first anniversary of Israeli atrocities against Gazans.

The convoy started with 220 vehicles, comprising trucks, ambulances and sedan cars, but upon arriving at the El-Arish port city, they were forced to leave behind 59 cars with the Egyptian government.