KUALA LUMPUR: Eight humanitarian workers from the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations (Mapim) were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza, last Saturday.
They were 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, all of whom were Palestinians.
Mapim chief executive officer Datuk Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby said the attack occurred when the workers were setting up tents to house families displaced by the Israeli attacks.
“The attack on civilians carrying out humanitarian work is the most heinous and condemnable crime,” he said yesterday, as reported by Bernama.
Sani said Mapim and its partner, the Al-Khair Foundation, were shocked and saddened by the tragedy that claimed the lives of the workers, three of whom were media personnel dedicated to carrying out humanitarian missions.
“This attack not only claimed innocent lives but also affected important humanitarian operations in Gaza.”
Sani said Mapim would remain steadfast in its commitment to carrying out humanitarian work in Gaza, with the organisation having set up 1,000 tents providing temporary shelter for victims who lost their homes due to the incessant bombing in Gaza.
He said the attack was a clear violation of international law and the Geneva Conventions that protect the rights of civilians in war zones and should be condemned.
“This is not just an attack on Gaza, it is an attack on humanity. We urge world leaders, humanitarian organisations and civil society to unite in condemning this heinous crime and demanding accountability from those responsible,” he said.
Mapim president Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid said the United Nations should take prompt action against Israel.
“This is not the first time Israel has attacked humanitarian workers. Dozens have been killed before during Israel’s genocidal crimes in Gaza,” he said.
Mapim is demanding an immediate ceasefire and for unhindered access to humanitarian aid in Gaza to ensure that Palestinians receive their basic needs.
