PETALING JAYA: Following reports of the deaths of eight humanitarian volunteers from the Consultative Council for Islamic Organisations (Mapim) by an Israeli airstrike, the organisation’s president Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid calls for the United Nations (UN) to take prompt action against Israel.
In a statement, Mohd Azmi condemned the act, saying it violated international law and the Geneva Conventions.
"This is not the first time Israel has attacked humanitarian workers. Dozens of workers have been killed before during Israel's genocidal crimes in Gaza," he said.
"Mapim demands that the United Nations immediately take action against Israel for this war crime to ensure the safety of aid workers and civilians."
Among the humanitarian volunteers killed in the attack were three media personnel who were documenting relief efforts for the people of Gaza.
"We express our condolences to the families of the martyred workers and pray for their steadfastness through this ordeal. May the souls of all the martyrs receive the best reward from Allah SWT," said Mohd Azmi.
In addition to their demands to the UN, he said that Mapim is also demanding an immediate ceasefire to stop the continued killings of innocent civilians as well as unhindered access to humanitarian aid in Gaza to ensure that Palestinians receive their basic needs.
Mohd Azmi also urged people around the world to denounce the violence.
"Mapim calls on the global community to rise up against tyranny and not allow Israel to continue committing violence without any retaliation," he added.
The airstrike, which took place in Beit Lahiya, in northern Gaza on Saturday (March 15), killed eight Mapim volunteers who were setting up tents to shelter the families displaced by the ongoing conflict.
So far, the organisation has set up 1,000 tents in the area.
Despite the dangers, Mapim says it remains committed to continuing its humanitarian mission to provide aid to the people of Palestine.
