PETALING JAYA: Eight humanitarian volunteers from the Malaysian Consultative Council for Islamic Organisations (Mapim) have been reported killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza on Saturday (March 15).
The volunteers, all Palestinians, were setting up tents to shelter families displaced by the ongoing conflict in the region when the attack occurred at about 1.30pm local time.
In a statement, Mapim chief activist Datuk Sani Araby condemned the attack, calling it a cruel and inhuman war crime.
"Attacking humanitarian volunteers is a despicable act and one of the most heinous war crimes.
"This attack not only claimed innocent lives but also severely impacted humanitarian missions in Gaza," he said.
Mapim is urging Malaysians to hold a Qunut Nazilah special prayer to pray for the safety of their brothers and sisters in Gaza.
"This attack not only claimed innocent lives but also disrupted critical humanitarian operations in Gaza.
"Mapim has lost several dedicated and sincere volunteers, including a media colleague who was very close to me," Sani added.
The eight volunteers killed have been identified as Mahmoud Yahya Al-Sarraj, Bilal Hossam Oqeila, Mahmoud Samir Oselim, Mahmoud Khaled Oselim, Mohammed Al-Ghafeer, Hazem Ghareeb, Bilal Abu Matar and Ahmad Hamad.
Mapim also stressed that attacks on humanitarian volunteers are a blatant violation of international law and the Geneva Conventions, which protect civilians in conflict zones.
Sani urged the international community to take immediate action to stop the violence and ensure justice for the victims and their families.
He also called on world leaders, humanitarian organisations and the global community to condemn the attack and hold those responsible accountable.
"This is not just an attack on Gaza but an assault on universal humanitarian values.
"The international community must not remain silent while innocent lives continue to be lost," he said.
Mapim also reaffirmed its commitment to providing humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people despite the risks and challenges.
To date, Mapim has set up some 1,000 tents to house refugees displaced by continuous airstrikes in Gaza.
