KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 — Malaysian charities have collected 50,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid worth RM7 million for Palestinians in Gaza, which has been under siege and deprived of food, water, and other basic supplies.
But getting them the aid may not be an easy matter.
Global Peace Mission (GPM) Malaysia chief executive officer Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Samsudin said establishing a humanitarian corridor to provide aid to displaced Palestinians was still in flux.
“Only RM200,000 (worth of goods) have been distributed by our teams on the ground in the last two weeks.
“(Otherwise,) no contribution, no funds received (by Palestinians). Nothing can get through. Until now, we are waiting, trying to assist,” he told Bernama today, describing the amount of assistance provided as a drop of water in an ocean of need.
However, Ahmad remains hopeful the humanitarian corridor will be established soon, saying they will fly in all the donations once they receive the green light.
It was reported a resolution calling for 'a humanitarian pause', which would have allowed humanitarian corridors into the Gaza Strip, a pause in the fighting, and the lifting of an order for civilians to leave the north of the blockaded area, was not passed by the United Nations Security Council on October 18.
Twelve out of 15 countries supported the resolution, but the United States vetoed it.
Ahmad added at least 40 charities will be holding a solidarity gathering for Palestine tonight at Axiata in Bukit Jalil beginning at 6.30pm — jointly organised by GPM, Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (Abim), and the Malaysian Humanitarian Aid and Relief.
The rally is a continuation of the #OpsIhsan campaign, where the 40 charities band together to collect donations for Palestinians in Gaza and to stand united in supporting Palestinians abroad and within Malaysia.
“The main purpose is to show solidarity. Secondly, it is time for us to play a bigger role in this issue instead of only observing or being on the sidelines,” he said.
Meanwhile, during the Selamat Pagi Malaysia programme on TV1 today, Ahmad said the Malaysia Stands with Palestine Rally is among the initiatives non-governmental organisations took to show solidarity with Palestinians and gather humanitarian aid for them.
“We will perform Maghrib and hajat prayers together, and after that, we will begin with speeches by NGO leaders. We are inviting all from various political, religious, and racial backgrounds,” he said.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to deliver a special address at the rally.
— Bernama
