MAHAR CALLS FOR UNITY, URGENT ACTION FOR GAZA FOLLOWING ESCALATING CRISIS

KUALA LUMPUR, April 7 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Humanitarian Aid and Relief (MAHAR) has expressed its “deep concern” over the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, following the relentless attacks by the Israeli Zionist regime.

"MAHAR stands firmly in solidarity with the people of Gaza. We urge all Malaysians, non-governmental organisation (NGOs), government agencies, and international partners to join our humanitarian mission, to contribute, and to amplify the message of justice and solidarity.

“We may be far in distance, but we must remain close at heart – united in action and in humanity," said MAHAR president Jismi Johari in a statement on Monday. 

MAHAR stated that more than 50,000 Palestinian lives have been lost, and over 115,000 others have been injured, turning Gaza into a humanitarian catastrophe that can no longer be ignored.

It acknowledged the recent fatwa issued by the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) through its Ijtihad and Fatwa Committee, urging Muslims worldwide to rise in defence of the Palestinian people.

As an independent and non-political humanitarian organisation, MAHAR said it viewed the fatwa as a reflection of the growing frustration within the Muslim world over the ongoing atrocities and the failure of the international community to put an end to the injustice inflicted upon the people of Gaza.

Accordingly, MAHAR called for five actions, one of them being “an immediate cessation of all forms of aggression and the opening of humanitarian corridors into Gaza to allow the safe delivery of aid without obstruction”.

Other actions include “unity among Muslim nations to exert pressure on Israel to end its atrocities, including reviewing diplomatic relations and existing peace treaties that enable ongoing oppression and support for international legal action and diplomatic pressure against those responsible for war crimes against the Palestinian people”.

MAHAR said the recent ground assault in Shuja’iyya, Gaza City, once again highlights the systematic brutality inflicted upon civilians, including journalists and aid workers, who have also become victims.

“This is not merely a conflict – it is a humanitarian disaster,” it said. 

MAHAR also expressed grave concern over the establishment of the Morag Corridor by the Israeli forces – a so-called security zone that splits the Gaza Strip into separate regions.

“This corridor not only restricts the movement of the Palestinians but also disrupts humanitarian infrastructure and aid delivery,” it said.

Announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on April 2, the corridor is viewed as part of a calculated effort to dismantle the social and geographical fabrics of Gaza, thereby, suppressing the Palestinian struggle for freedom and independence.

For donations or collaboration, Malaysians may visit MAHAR’s official platform or contact the organisation at info@mahar.org.my.

-- BERNAMA