EIGHT humanitarian workers from the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations (MAPIM) were tragically killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza, last Saturday.
The attack took place at approximately 1:30pm while the workers were setting up tents to provide shelter for families displaced by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Bernama cited MAPIM CEO Datuk Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby condemning the strike, calling it a "heinous and condemnable crime."
He stated, "The attack on civilians carrying out humanitarian work is the most heinous and condemnable crime."
MAPIM, alongside its partner the Al-Khair Foundation, expressed deep shock and sorrow over the tragedy, which has claimed the lives of the eight workers, three of whom were media personnel dedicated to humanitarian missions.
Dr Sani identified the victims 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 Palestinian nationals.
"This attack not only claimed innocent lives but also disrupted vital humanitarian operations in Gaza. MAPIM has lost several very committed and sincere personnel, including a media colleague who was particularly close to me," Dr Sani said.
MAPIM reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its humanitarian efforts in Gaza despite the devastating attack. The organisation had previously set up 1,000 tents to provide temporary shelter for those affected by the ongoing bombardment in the region.
Dr Sani also stressed that the airstrike was a clear violation of international law and the Geneva Conventions, which protect civilians in war zones. "MAPIM urges the international community to act immediately to halt this violence and ensure justice for the victims and their families," he said.
"This is not just an attack on Gaza; it is an attack on humanity. We call on world leaders, humanitarian organisations, and civil society to unite in condemning this heinous crime and demanding accountability from those responsible," he added.
The tragic incident highlights the continued risks faced by humanitarian workers in conflict zones and underscores the urgent need for global action to protect civilians and ensure that international humanitarian laws are upheld. – March 17, 2025
