Malaysian Aid Containers Successfully Enter Gaza Through Rafah Border

Kuala Lumpur, The Gulf Observer: A total of 12 aid containers have successfully entered Gaza through the Rafah border, as part of Malaysia’s ongoing humanitarian efforts to support the besieged region. The aid, spearheaded by the Malaysian Consultative Council for Islamic Organisations (Mapim), marks the first phase of a larger initiative to send 100 containers of assistance to Gaza.

Datuk Sani Araby, head of the Malaysia Emergency Aid Mission to Gaza, confirmed that the initial phase had been successfully completed with 12 containers, containing essential supplies like wheat and daily necessities. He also noted that work is ongoing to complete the second and third phases of the mission.

In a heartfelt media statement, Sani shared a touching moment captured in a viral video, where a young man from Gaza, living in a refugee tent, excitedly retrieved an aid box bearing the Malaysian flag. The man joyfully described the contents of the box, which would cost almost USD 300 under the current dire conditions in Gaza.

“We provided 8 containers of wheat and 4 boxes with essential daily items. Our volunteers and NGO partners in Egypt took on the responsibility of purchasing and packing these items before they were sent by land,” Sani said, reflecting on the journey that faced several challenges, particularly after the Rafah gate was temporarily closed. Despite these obstacles, the aid successfully reached those in urgent need.

The national initiative is a collective effort supported by various organizations, including the Office of the Deputy Minister 1, the Prime Minister’s Office, and numerous NGOs and foundations such as Jakim, Cinta Gaza Malaysia, and Yayasan Damai Abadi, among others.

Sani emphasized that the aid mission had been personally overseen by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi, both of whom officiated the flag-off of the first batch of containers. Additionally, the government sent Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad to attend the flag-off event at the Mapim Warehouse in Cairo, marking another significant step in the aid distribution effort.

The Malaysian government’s ongoing humanitarian commitment, in partnership with Mapim and various contributors, aims to alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza during this critical time.