DEPUTY Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has extended his condolences following the tragic deaths of eight humanitarian workers from the Malaysian Consultative Council for Islamic Organisations (MAPIM), who were killed in an airstrike in Gaza.
Expressing his sorrow over the incident, Zahid described the loss as a significant blow not only to MAPIM but to all those who are working towards justice and humanity.
“They were humanitarian heroes who tirelessly dedicated themselves to helping our oppressed brothers and sisters,” Zahid said in a Facebook post today. “I strongly condemn this inhumane attack and urge the international community not to remain silent in the face of the ongoing atrocities in Gaza.”
The Deputy Prime Minister also called on Muslims and Malaysians to offer prayers and stand in solidarity with Palestine, encouraging them to support the Palestinian cause in whatever way they can. "May the souls of these martyrs be blessed and placed among the righteous. Al-Fatihah," he added.
The eight victims were killed during an Israeli airstrike on Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza, while they were setting up tents to shelter families displaced by the ongoing conflict. The attack took place at 1:30 pm local time. The victims have been 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 Palestinian.
MAPIM Chief Executive Officer Datuk Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby confirmed the news of the workers' deaths, highlighting their sacrifice in providing much-needed aid to those suffering from the effects of the conflict.
In response to the tragedy, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, condemned the airstrike, calling it a gross violation of international law and human rights. "This act by Israel is a blatant violation of international law and the Geneva Convention, which explicitly safeguards humanitarian workers in conflict zones," he said in a statement. "The attacks on humanitarian workers delivering aid are unacceptable crimes that must be condemned by the global community."
Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar reaffirmed Malaysia’s continued support for Palestine and called on the global community to take action against the atrocities occurring in Gaza.
He urged Malaysians to join in prayer and recite Qunut Nazilah for Palestine’s success, while maintaining support for the Palestinian cause.
“Let us unite in providing donations and humanitarian aid to help ease the hardships faced by our brothers and sisters in Gaza amid ongoing oppression,” he urged. "Together, let us pray for the protection and well-being of the Palestinian people and the brave humanitarian workers who risk their lives to help them."
The deaths of the MAPIM workers have once again highlighted the dangers faced by humanitarian aid workers operating in conflict zones, and the international community continues to call for stronger protections for those delivering aid in such dire circumstances. - March 18, 2025
