KUALA LUMPUR: Four Malaysian non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that are present in Gaza currently employ local volunteers to provide aid to Palestinians.
Among those NGOs with offices and staff are Cinta Gaza Malaysia (CGM), Aman Palestin, Humanitarian Care Malaysia (MyCARE) and Global Peace Mission (GPM).
MyAqsa Defenders (MAD) chief executive officer, Muhammad Aiman Mohd Zin said there was a Malaysian in Gaza, who served as the MAD chairman, Nadir Al-Nuri.
However, he has recently returned to Malaysia since the last three weeks and will be staying here temporarily due to work-related commitments.
"MAD, through CGM, has been channelling emergency aid in the field since the attack on Gaza.
"This aid includes basic supplies such as food packs, fuel for generators, and necessities for residents who had to leave their homes, such as mattresses and blankets," he said.
He also mentioned that, to date, 15 other NGOs are working closely with MAD and NGOs that have offices in Gaza to deliver assistance.
MAD, which was established as a coalition from 19 NGOs, celebrities and humanitarian icons, committed to the agenda of good governance, transparency and accountability in implementing humanitarian projects in Palestine.
Among the other affiliate partners of MAD are Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia, Murtadha Dakwah Centre, Cinta Syria Malaysia and Al-Azhar Care.
Meanwhile, Aman Palestin general manager (Marketing) Muhd Farhan Muhd Fadhil said the organisation's office in Gaza has been operational since 2009, with a team of seven locals.
"This local management is crucial because they are more knowledgeable about the current needs there.
"Entering Gaza now is impossible due to the ongoing conflict, and the Rafah border crossing has been bombed and destroyed.
"Nevertheless, we are planning an aid mission to Gaza, scheduled for December or earlier, depending on approval from the Foreign Ministry," he said.
He stated that Aman Palestine has helped donate RM470,000, which includes covering costs for clinical treatment, prosthetic limbs, warm clothing and wheelchairs, benefiting almost 8,000 people across Gaza.
MyCare CEO Kamarul Zaman Shaharul Anwar mentioned that they too have established trust with five local individuals to help in the distribution of aid throughout Gaza.
"It has been approximately four to five years since they permitted people to enter Gaza. Hence, the Palestinians have been helping to get supplies and distribute them," he said.
Meanwhile, Viva Palestina Malaysia (VPM) chairman, Datuk Dr Musa Mohd Nordin said on Oct 8, they provided fuel costs for 20 ambulances serving eight hospitals in Gaza, which cost approximately RM23,682.
"This assistance allowed ambulances to deliver patients and attack victims to the hospital immediately.
"On Oct 9, VPM agreed to donate 1,000 food baskets to the affected families, worth over RM140,000," he said.
He emphasised its organisation is trying to meet the oil supply demand for the generators in Gaza hospitals to ensure hospitals can continue to operate when there is no electricity supply.
"This situation is critical considering that the Zionist government of Israel is acting to seal off Gaza completely. Water and electricity supply have also been halted," he added.
