MERCY MALAYSIA’S FIFTH MEDICAL TEAM RETURNS FROM GAZA HUMANITARIAN MISSION 

KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 (Bernama) -- MERCY Malaysia’s fifth Specialised Care Team (SCT 5) has returned safely from Gaza after successfully completing a one-month humanitarian mission from March 27 to April 26.

The team was deployed under the coordination of the World Health Organization’s Emergency Medical Teams Coordination Cell (WHO EMTCC), in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.

President of MERCY Malaysia, Datuk Dr Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus said the mission was part of the organisation’s continuous efforts to provide impartial and needs-based humanitarian assistance, especially in conflict zones.

“The return of SCT 5 marks not only the successful conclusion of a vital mission, but also reaffirms our commitment to humanitarian action grounded in humanity and impartiality.

“In Gaza, the scale of need remains staggering. We call on all relevant authorities to facilitate unhindered access to humanitarian assistance and to uphold the protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel, in accordance with international humanitarian law,” he said during a press conference held at MERCY Malaysia’s headquarters here today.

Dr Ahmad Faizal said the team provided critical medical care at several severely impacted facilities in Gaza, including the Al-Shifaa Hospital, Al-Nasser Hospital and Kuwait Specialty Hospital.

Working alongside local health personnel, they treated hundreds of patients suffering from blast injuries, fractures, burns and infections stemming from overcrowded shelters and poor access to clean water.

He added that the mission was carried out in close collaboration with the Palestinian Ministry of Health, WHO EMTCC and other local partners, ensuring medical relief was aligned with broader humanitarian priorities and long-term recovery efforts.

“The SCT 5 was initially deployed in early recovery mode, but due to the breakdown of the ceasefire, the mission had to quickly shift into emergency response mode,” said Dr Ahmad Faizal who also voiced concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, highlighting that for the past 60 days including the month of Ramadan and Syawal—no aid has been allowed to enter Gaza due to an ongoing blockade.

“Not a single truck has made it through in two months. This blockade has directly contributed to widespread starvation and malnutrition, especially among children, with several dozen confirmed dead in recent weeks,” he said.

He urged the international community to exert pressure on Israeli authorities to allow both immediate and adequate access to humanitarian aid.

“Even if access is granted today but only in limited quantities, it will not be enough. Delays in aid delivery will continue to cost lives,” he stressed.

Dr Ahmad Faizal reiterated that humanitarian aid must never be politicised or impeded, and Malaysia remains committed to its efforts under international coordination mechanisms including the United Nations and WHO EMTCC.

“In the midst of a fragile transition between ceasefire and possible renewed conflict, MERCY Malaysia continues to prepare for emergency deployments while also planning for long-term recovery and rebuilding initiatives once conditions allow,” he added.

He also indicated that if a permanent ceasefire is achieved, MERCY Malaysia is ready to expand support beyond medical aid, including water and sanitation services, food and nutrition, mental health support, and post-conflict rebuilding.

-- BERNAMA