On Saturday, March 15, at around 1:30 pm, an Israeli airstrike in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza, killed eight humanitarian workers from the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations (MAPIM), according to Mapim chief executive officer Datuk Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby.
The victims, all Palestinians, were 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.
They were setting up tents to shelter families displaced by the ongoing Israeli attacks when the airstrike hit.
Dr Sani called the attack a “heinous and condemnable crime” and said it had severely disrupted aid efforts in Gaza.
He added that MAPIM had already set up 1,000 tents to provide temporary housing for those who lost their homes due to the conflict.
Calls for Justice and International Condemnation
Dr Sani also stressed that the attack violated international law and the Geneva Conventions, which protect civilians and humanitarian workers in conflict zones.
He urged world leaders, humanitarian organizations, and civil society to hold those responsible accountable.
“This is not just an attack on Gaza, it is an attack on humanity,” he said.
MAPIM president, Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid, called on the United Nations to take immediate action, stating that this was not the first time humanitarian workers had been targeted in Gaza.
Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi Expresses Condolences
Following this, Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi extended his condolences to the families of the victims and condemned the attack.
“They were humanitarian heroes who tirelessly fought to assist our oppressed brothers and sisters,” he said in a Facebook post.
He also called on to offer prayers and support for Palestinians in any way possible.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim Condemns Israeli Airstrike
According to Malay Mail, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has strongly denounced the Israeli airstrike.
Speaking at a press conference after a closed-door meeting at the Penang Development Corporation (PDC), Anwar expressed his outrage over the attack.
“We strongly condemn the killing of MAPIM volunteers who were there on a humanitarian mission, assisting patients and others,” he said.
He also emphasized that Malaysia is officially protesting against the ongoing violence by the Israeli regime and confirmed Malaysia’s commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts in Gaza and standing in solidarity with Palestinians.
Religious Affairs Minister Calls for Global Action
In addition to that, Religious Affairs Minister, Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, denounced the attack, calling it a clear violation of human rights and international law.
“This act by Israel is a blatant violation of the Geneva Convention, which explicitly safeguards humanitarian workers in conflict zones,” he said in a statement.
He urged the global community to condemn the attack and called on Malaysians to continue supporting humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza.
Top photos courtesy of AFP, Malay Mail, and Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid on Facebook.
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